verb A2 Elementary Very common

pull

puul

Pull (verb) means to apply force to something so it moves toward you. Example: “She pulled the door open and stepped inside.”

verb

To apply force to something so it moves toward you.

"She pulled the door open and stepped inside."

"He pulled the rope until the boat came alongside the dock."

To remove or withdraw something, especially from sale, publication, or use.

"The company pulled the ad after complaints."

To strain or injure a muscle or ligament.

"He pulled a hamstring in the second half of the match."

noun

The act of pulling, or the force that draws something toward a source.

"Give the handle a firm pull to open it."

"There's a strong emotional pull to the story."

Influence or the ability to get favorable treatment.

"He has a lot of pull with the city council."

How to use pull

Learner’s notes

Common mistake

"Pull" (toward you) and "push" (away from you) are opposites — a common mix-up for learners, especially on signs.

Common pairings

pull a muscle pull strings pull out pull something off

Word forms

pulled past tense, pull plural, pulled plural, pulls plural, pulls singular, pull singular, pulled singular, pullest singular, pulleth singular, pulledst singular

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Test yourself on “pull” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ the door open and stepped inside.

Etymology

From Old English pullian, "to pull, draw, tug," of uncertain deeper origin.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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tug drag haul yank tow attract draw hale heave lug schlep

Antonyms

push repel shove eject leave rest throw repulsion

Related words

go line leave rest river pressure carry catch

Rhymes for pull

bull gull dull full null cull lull mull hull skull scull

See all rhymes for pull →

Frequently asked questions

What does “pull” mean?

The word “pull” means to apply force to something so it moves toward you.

How do you pronounce “pull”?

“Pull” is pronounced puul (/pʊl/ in IPA).

How do you use “pull” in a sentence?

Here is “pull” used in a sentence: “She pulled the door open and stepped inside.”

What is another word for “pull”?

Words with a similar meaning to “pull” include attract, draw, hale, heave, lug and schlep.

What is the opposite of “pull”?

The opposite of “pull” — its antonyms — are push, repel, shove, eject and leave.

What part of speech is “pull”?

Depending on how it is used, “pull” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “pull” come from?

The word “pull” comes from Old English. From Old English pullian, "to pull, draw, tug," of uncertain deeper origin.

Is “pull” a common word?

“Pull” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

What is the difference between pull and push?

Pull and push are opposites. To pull is to apply force so something moves toward you; to push is to apply force so it moves away. Opening a drawer is a pull, closing it is a push. Both involve force in a straight line, but they act in opposite directions relative to you.

What is the opposite of pull?

The direct opposite of pull is push — moving something away from you rather than toward you. Depending on context, other opposites include release, let go, or drop, when pull means to draw or grip something. But in everyday use, push is the natural antonym of pull.

What is an example of pull used in a sentence?

You might say 'pull the door open,' 'she pulled the rope toward her,' or 'the tractor pulled the trailer.' In each case something has force applied so it moves closer or follows along. Pull can also be figurative, as in 'pull a few strings' or 'feel a pull toward home.'

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