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Definition of uppercut

uppercut

/ˈʌp.ɚ.kʌt/
up · per · cut
Plural:uppercuts
•
Past Simple:uppercut
•
Past Participle:uppercut
•
Present Participle:uppercutting
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uppercut Lexical Profile

uppercut Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In boxing and martial arts, a short, swinging punch delivered upward with a bent arm, typically aimed at an opponent's chin or solar plexus.

Example

"The champion ended the match in the eighth round with a well-timed right uppercut."

2

In cricket, an attacking shot played with an angled bat that slices a short-pitched ball upward over the slip fielders.

Example

"The batter played a daring uppercut over the slips for a boundary."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for uppercut

• verb

1

To strike an opponent with an upward-swinging punch, especially in boxing.

Example

"The challenger stepped inside the guard to uppercut his opponent during the final round."

• Nearby Words

upper
uppercase
upperclassman
uppercut
uppermost
uppitiness
uppity

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century as a boxing compound combining 'upper' and 'cut' (in the sense of a sharp stroke or blow).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Uppercut. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/uppercut
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