pull
pull Lexical Profile
pull Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act of exerting force on someone or something in order to move it toward oneself; a tug or haul.
"With one strong pull on the rope, the sailors hoisted the heavy sail into position."
A physical force of attraction, such as gravity or magnetism, or a strong emotional or psychological allure.
"The gravitational pull of the moon is the primary driver of the ocean tides on Earth."
A handle, cord, or knob attached to a door, drawer, or mechanism, designed to be grasped and drawn toward the user.
"She replaced all the tarnished brass cabinet pulls in the kitchen with sleek brushed-nickel handles."
Informal power, influence, or special advantage held with people in authority.
"Because she had considerable pull with the board of directors, her proposal was approved almost immediately."
• verb
To exert physical force on someone or something so as to cause movement toward oneself or in the direction of the force.
"He pulled the heavy wooden door shut behind him to keep out the winter draft."
To remove or extract something from its place of attachment or containment by applying force.
"We spent the morning in the garden pulling weeds from the vegetable beds."
To attract, draw in, or garner customers, audiences, votes, or support.
"The outdoor music festival consistently pulls thousands of visitors to the small coastal town every summer."
To injure or strain a muscle, tendon, or ligament by stretching it too far.
"The sprinter pulled a hamstring halfway through the race and had to withdraw from the competition."
To cancel, withdraw, or remove a product, broadcast, or commitment from circulation or participation.
"The network decided to pull the television series after just three episodes due to low ratings."
• Rhymes for pull
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English pullian ('to pluck, snatch, or draw'), of West Germanic origin and related to Low German pulen ('to pick or pluck').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.