# abs

/ˈæbz/ (US) · /ˈæbz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abs
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. stomach muscles

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

the muscles in your stomach area, especially when they are strong and visible.

For teachers: an informal clipping of 'abdominal muscles', typically used in the context of fitness or physical appearance.

- He has been doing a lot of sit-ups to get visible abs for the summer.
- The fitness trainer emphasized that while core strength is vital, visible abs are often the result of a very low body-fat percentage.

Usage: Always used in the plural form in this sense.

## Examples

- He does a hundred sit-ups every day to get strong abs.
- After months of strict dieting and core training, the athlete finally saw her abs becoming visible.
- While many fitness influencers focus on the aesthetic appeal of defined abs, physical therapists emphasize that core strength is primarily essential for spinal stability and overall functional movement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.