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lunge

noun
\ ˈlənj How to pronounce lunge (audio) \

Definition of lunge

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a quick thrust or jab (as of a sword) usually made by leaning or striding forward
2 : a sudden forward rush or reach made a lunge to catch the ball
3 : an exercise in which a person in a standing position steps forward into a position in which the front knee is deeply bent while keeping the torso erect and then returns back to the starting position also : a similar exercise in which the initial movement is to the side rather than forward

Note: A lunge can be done while holding weights or without weights.

lunge

verb
lunged; lunging

Definition of lunge (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to make a lunge : move with or as if with a lunge
2 : to perform a lunge exercise (see lunge entry 1 sense 3)

transitive verb

: to thrust or propel (something, such as a blow) in a lunge
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about lunge

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Synonyms for lunge

Synonyms: Noun

dab, dig, jab, poke

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Examples of lunge in a Sentence

Noun

 He made a lunge at me with his knife. He made a desperate lunge for the ball.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 The lad made one tackle on Sunday and committed seven fouls, including the brainless lunge on Son Heung-min that gave Spurs their second goal. — SI.com, "Matteo Guendouzi: Midfielder Delivers Performance Worthy of His Terrific Haircut in NLD," 2 Sep. 2019 In the next hour, more than 30 humpbacks arrived in the nearby vicinity, lunge feeding, spouting, spy hopping and providing the occasional tail salute before power dives. — Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Humpbacks, killer whales, fin whales star in coastal spectacle," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lunge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of lunge

Noun

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1772, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

History and Etymology for lunge

Noun

modification of French allonge extension, reach, from Old French alonge, from alongier to lengthen, from Vulgar Latin *allongare, from Latin ad- ad- + Late Latin longare, from Latin longus long

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More Definitions for lunge

lunge

noun
How to pronounce lunge (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of lunge

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a sudden forward movement

lunge

verb

English Language Learners Definition of lunge (Entry 2 of 2)

: to move or reach forward in a sudden, forceful way

See the full definition for lunge in the English Language Learners Dictionary

lunge

noun
\ ˈlənj How to pronounce lunge (audio) \

Kids Definition of lunge

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a sudden movement forward … the shark opened his mouth … and made a lunge at the peach.— Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach

lunge

verb
lunged; lunging

Kids Definition of lunge (Entry 2 of 2)

: to move or reach forward in a sudden forceful way She lunged across the table.

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