Meaning & Definition of word "Pull"

Pull

/pʊl/

noun:

  • 1. the action of pulling something.
    • Example: With a gentle pull, he opened the drawer.
  • 2. an attractive influence or quality.
    • Example: The pull of the music made everyone want to dance.

verb:

  • 1. to exert force on (someone or something) so as to cause movement toward oneself.
    • Example: She decided to pull the heavy box closer to her.
  • 2. to take hold of and remove (something) from a particular place.
    • Example: He reached out to pull the book off the shelf.
  • 3. to attract or draw (someone or something) toward a specified direction.
    • Example: The bright lights pulled her attention away from the conversation.

Etymology

Middle English pullen, from Old English pullian; akin to Middle Dutch pul-en to pull, and probably to Latin pullus young animal.

Common Phrases and Expressions

pull someone's leg:

To tease or joke with someone.

pull the trigger:

To make a decision to take action or to act on something.

pull out all the stops:

To use all available resources to achieve something.

Related Words

pullback:

A retreat or reduction in something.

pulley:

A wheel with a groove around it that holds a rope or cable.

pull-up:

An exercise where one hangs from a bar and pulls oneself up.

Slang Meanings of pull

Meaning: To attract or win someone over.

Example Sentence: He really knows how to pull.

Meaning: To obtain or get something, often used in social contexts.

Example Sentence: I pulled a great deal at the auction.