Home US English push-and-pull

Definition of push-and-pull in English:

push-and-pull

Pronunciation /ˌpʊʃ(ə)n(d)ˈpʊl/

noun

  • The action or process of pushing and pulling, especially alternately; an instance of this. Also figurative: a contest, a tug of war.

adjective

  • 1That involves, or is operated by means of, pushing and pulling, especially alternately.

  • 2Specifically. Designating (the operation of) a train which can travel in either direction without having its engine turned around.

Origin

Late 19th century; earliest use found in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Partly from push + and + pull, and partly from push + and + pull.