noun, takes する, intransitive verb

  1. standing on tiptoe and stretching one's back to make oneself taller, stretching oneself.
  2. overreaching oneself, overstretching oneself, trying to do something beyond one's ability, pushing to the limit.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
背伸び せのび
 
背伸び せいのび
 
 
背のび せのび
 
 
背のび せいのび
 
背延び せのび
 
背延び せいのび

Contained Kanji Breakdown

stature, height, back
せ ハイ そむ.く (6th, N3)
north
ホク きた ほっ (2nd, N5)
spoon, spoon or katakana hi radical (no. 21)
ヒ さじ (Kentei 1)
month, moon
つき ゲツ ガツ (1st, N5)
expand, stretch, extend
の.びる シン のぶ (8th, N2)
human radical (no. 9)
have the honor to, sign of the monkey, 3-5PM
もう.す シン さる (3rd, N3)
day, sun, Japan
ひ にっ ニチ (1st, N5)
number one, line, rod radical (no. 2)
コン シ ジョ