Squats Meaning and Definition
Squats
Pronunciation
/skwɑts/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of strength training exercise where a person rests their body weight on their feet and slides their upper body backwards, lowering their body until their thighs are parallel to the ground, and then returns to the starting position.
Examples
- She does squats every morning to keep her legs strong.
- The fitness instructor led the class through a series of squats and lunges.
Synonyms
- Exercise
- Workout
Antonyms
- Rest
- Sedentary
Etymology
The term “squats” is derived from the verb “to squat”, which dates back to the mid-14th century and is related to the Old French word “escotter”, meaning “to crouch down”.
Usage Notes
Squats can be used as a verb or a noun. When used as a verb, it means “to perform the squat exercise”, while as a noun, it refers to the exercise itself.
Cultural References
Squats have been featured in various forms of media, including exercise videos, fitness magazines, and popular culture references.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
A few common idioms or phrases that include the word “squat” are “squat in” (meaning to occupy a location) and “squat and goblin” (an old term for a type of mythical creature).
Related Words or Phrases
- Exercise
- Fitness
- Workout
Collocations
- Squats and lunges
- Squats and push-ups
Frequency of Use
Squats are a common term in modern fitness and exercise culture, with a high frequency of use in fitness-related contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the term “squats” include “squat” and “squot”.