Word
uppercut
Phoneticsup·per·cut
UK/ˈʌpəkˌʌt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a short, powerful punch in boxing that moves upward from below, usually aimed at the chin.
n. a short upward punch delivered from below, typically to the opponent's chin or jaw.
Examples
“The boxer lands a clean uppercut in training.”
“He ducks under the jab and answers with a sharp uppercut to the chin.”
“After absorbing pressure against the ropes, she slips inside the guard and delivers a compact uppercut that snaps her opponent's head back.”
Examples
simple
“The boxer lands a clean uppercut in training.”
contextual
“He ducks under the jab and answers with a sharp uppercut to the chin.”
complex
“After absorbing pressure against the ropes, she slips inside the guard and delivers a compact uppercut that snaps her opponent's head back.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “uppercut” in context.
Verb
01. catch with uppercut
“She caught her rival with a late uppercut as the bell rang.”
verb + prep + noun
02. deliver uppercut
“She stepped in to deliver a crushing uppercut to the body.”
verb + noun
03. dodge uppercut
“He moved aside to dodge the uppercut just in time.”
verb + noun
04. hit with uppercut
“He was hit with a short uppercut early in the second round.”
verb + prep + noun
05. land uppercut
“Tyson landed a clean uppercut that dropped his opponent instantly.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. devastating uppercut
“The champion ended the bout with a devastating uppercut to the chin.”
adj + noun
07. left uppercut
“He set up the finish with a sharp left uppercut.”
adj + noun
08. powerful uppercut
“He dropped his opponent with a powerful uppercut in the third round.”
adj + noun
09. catch him with an uppercut
“He stepped in and caught him with an uppercut on the break.”
10. dodge the left uppercut
“He ducked low to dodge the left uppercut and countered fast.”
11. finish with a right uppercut
“She finished the combination with a right uppercut to the chin.”
12. land a devastating uppercut
“He landed a devastating uppercut that ended the fight in round six.”
Real-World Examples
“Pinas (11-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) landed a perfect uppercut to the chin of Pulyaev (10-6 MMA, 1-4 UFC) that instantly ended the middleweight bout on Saturday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, and it was all over at the 1:15 mark of Round 1.” “Brook, who suffered a suspected fractured eye socket, won the second round with a left uppercut that produced huge roars from the huge O2 Arena crowd, who were mainly supporting the British underdog.” “While he practices his jabs and uppercuts on the hanging punch bag, outside the church's doors young people in hoodies argue and throw punches at each other as police sirens blare - a familiar street scene in the poor Rione Sanita district.” “The unstoppable Lomachenko showcased a level of skill that set him apart from his opponent, claiming the first round with a score of 7-2 through powerful uppercuts and punishing body shots, complemented by his exceptional footwork, which is nearly unparalleled in amateur boxing.” Etymology
From upper + cut.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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