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\ ˈəp 
\
\Definition of up
(Entry 1 of 6)
1a(1) : in or into a higher position or level especially : away from the center of the earth
(2) : from beneath the ground or water to the surface
(3) : from below the horizon
(4) : upstream sense 1
(5) : in or into an upright position sit up especially : out of bed
b : upward from the ground or surface pull up a daisy
c : so as to expose a particular surface
2 : with greater intensity speak up
3a : in or into a better or more advanced state
b : at an end your time is up
c : in or into a state of greater intensity or excitement
d : to or at a greater speed, rate, or amount prices went up
e : in a continual sequence : in continuance from a point or to a point from third grade up at prices of $10 and up up until now
4a(1) : into existence, evidence, prominence, or prevalence
(2) : into operation or practical form
b : into consideration or attention bring up for discussion
5 : into possession or custody
6a : entirely, completely button up your coat
b —used as an intensifierclean up the house
7 : in or into storage : by lay up supplies
8a : so as to arrive or approach
b : in a direction conventionally the opposite of down:
(1) : to windward
(2) : northward
(3) : to or at the top
(4) : to or at the rear of a theatrical stage
9 : in or into parts
10 : to a stop —usually used with draw, bring, fetch, or pull
11 : for each side the score is 15 up
up
adjectiveDefinition of up (Entry 2 of 6)
1a : risen above the horizon the sun is up
b : standing
c : being out of bed
d : relatively high the river is up was well up in her class
e : being in a raised position : lifted windows are up
f : being in a state of completion : constructed, built
g : having the face upward
h : mounted on a horse a new jockey up
i : grown above a surface the corn is up
j(1) : moving, inclining, or directed upward the up escalator
(2) : bound in a direction regarded as up
2a(1) : marked by agitation, excitement, or activity
(2) : positive or upbeat in mood or demeanor
b : being above a former or normal level (as of quantity or intensity) attendance is up the wind is up
c : exerting enough power (as for operation) sail when steam is up
e : going on : taking place find out what is up
3a : risen from a lower position men up from the ranks
b : being at the same level or point did not feel up to par
c(1) : well informed : abreast up on the news
(2) : being on schedule up on his homework
d : being ahead of one's opponent
4a : presented for or undergoing consideration contract up for negotiation also : charged before a court up for robbery
b : being the one whose turn it is you're up next
up against up to
: confronted with : face-to-face with the problem we are up against
1 : capable of performing or dealing with feels up to the task
2 : engaged in what is he up to
3 : being the responsibility of it's up to me
up
prepositionDefinition of up (Entry 3 of 6)
1a —used as a function word to indicate motion to or toward or situation at a higher point ofwent up the stairs
b : up into or in the was hid away up garret— Mark Twain
2a : in a direction regarded as being toward or near the upper end or part of lives a few miles up the coast walked up the street
b : toward or near a point closer to the source or beginning of sail up the river
3 : in the direction opposite to sailed up the wind
up
nounDefinition of up (Entry 4 of 6)
1 : one in a high or advantageous position
2 : an upward slope
3 : a period or state of prosperity or success
4 : upper entry 3
5 : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of +2/3 and that is one of the constituents of a nucleon
up
verbupped\ ˈəpt \ or in intransitive verb sense 2 up; upped; upping; ups or in intransitive verb sense 2 up
\ or in intransitive verb sense 2 up; upped; upping; ups or in intransitive verb sense 2 upDefinition of up (Entry 5 of 6)
1a : to rise from a lying or sitting position
b : to move upward : ascend
2 —used with and and another verb to indicate that the action of the following verb was either surprisingly or abruptly initiatedhe up and quit his job
b : raise sense 8d
UP
abbreviationDefinition of UP (Entry 6 of 6)
Upper Peninsula (of Michigan)
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Synonyms & Antonyms for up
Synonyms: Adjective
Synonyms: Verb
- accelerate,
- add (to),
- aggrandize,
- amplify,
- augment,
- boost,
- build up,
- compound,
- enlarge,
- escalate,
- expand,
- extend,
- hype,
- increase,
- multiply,
- pump up,
- raise,
- stoke,
- supersize,
- swell
Antonyms: Adjective
Antonyms: Verb
- abate,
- decrease,
- de-escalate,
- diminish,
- downsize,
- dwindle,
- lessen,
- lower,
- minify,
- reduce,
- subtract (from)
Examples of up in a Sentence
Adverb The land rises up from the valley. She stood beneath the window and called up to her friend. Please pick your clothes up off the floor. We watched the sun come up. He held up his hand. We stored the boxes up in the attic. She stuck a notice up on the wall. What's going on up there? He looked up at the stars. The cards were on the table facing up. Adjective The candy is up on the top shelf. The window is already up. Your package is up at the front desk. We were up near the stage. Are the kids up yet? We are up every morning at six. I was up all night studying for the test. Gas prices are up again. Preposition He climbed up the ladder. She had to walk her bike up the hill. The bathroom is up the stairs. Go up the street and turn left. We walked up the street to meet them. They live just up the block from us. I paddled the canoe up the river. The ship sailed up the coast. Her office is all the way up the hall on the right. He paced up and down the hall, waiting for news about his wife's operation. Verb climbing fuel prices have forced the delivery company to up its prices the road constantly ups and downs as it makes its way over the hills
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb Of those currently in hospitals, 101 were in intensive care, up from 82 on Tuesday and 39 on June 1. — Joshua Fechter, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio COVID cases rise ‘exponentially’ — 412 new cases, four more deaths," 20 June 2020 Now, with her very own brewing system soon to be up and running, Greenwood plans to brew the first batch at her new location on June 25. — Tirion Morris, azcentral, "Here's when highly anticipated Greenwood Brewing will open in downtown Phoenix," 19 June 2020 That is, ventilation aimed at getting aerosolized grease, heat, and smoke from the stove and ovens up and out. — Adam Rogers, Wired, "The Design and Science of Patio Dining During a Pandemic," 17 June 2020 Lee scored a blockbuster cast in 1992's Malcolm X, a biopic about the outspoken human rights activist of the '50s and '60s, up and until he was assassinated in 1965. — Omar Sanchez, EW.com, "After watching Da 5 Bloods, here's how to stream more Spike Lee," 16 June 2020 Henning explained that the store has just reopened Thursday for its summer season, noting that the Starshine ice cream truck was up and running as it had not been burgled. — Fox News, "Burglars with a sweet tooth in Michigan leave trail of candy after robbing store that just reopened," 13 June 2020 One word of warning, though: Some restaurants, spas, and activities might not be available due to health concerns, so be sure to call your hotel before traveling to confirm what amenities will be up and running. — Eric Rosen, Condé Nast Traveler, "These Top Hotels Are Rarely Bookable With Points—But COVID-19 Has Changed That," 12 June 2020 The project, which will make Beaumont the biggest refinery in the U.S., will now be up and running sometime in 2023, compared with a previous target of 2022, the people said. — Bloomberg Wire, Dallas News, "Exxon Mobil delays big Gulf Coast refinery by a year as it seeks to conserve cash," 11 June 2020 Because the network is well-established, with patients enrolled, new studies can be up and running in weeks rather than months or years. — Usha Lee Mcfarling, STAT, "‘Flying blind’: Doctors race to understand what Covid-19 means for people with HIV," 10 June 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Treadwell, an up-and-coming local rapper known by his stage name, Bris, had nearly 50,000 followers on Instagram and almost 20,000 subscribers on YouTube. — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, "Fans mourn rising Sacramento rapper Bris after weekend shooting," 24 June 2020 Lillard also explained that Collins’ commitment could pay dividends down the road for Oregon State, as Jefferson has several up-and-coming football prospects, including class of 2022 four-star safety Trejon Williams. — oregonlive, "Jefferson football coach Houston Lillard calls Oregon State Beavers RB commit Damir Collins ‘very special’ talent," 22 June 2020 Wallace was Bubba Wheelhouse, an up-and-coming stock car. — Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, "Who is Bubba Wallace? 5 things to know about the NASCAR driver," 22 June 2020 Electric cars are cheaper to operate than gas vehicles, but have much higher up-front costs today. — Matt Mcfarland, CNN, "Lyft cuts carbon offsets, promises to transition to electric vehicles by 2030," 17 June 2020 EarthWater made a name for itself in the local startup scene as an up-and-coming health and wellness company as well as a good corporate citizen. — Kevin Krause, Dallas News, "Top execs of Dallas ‘miracle’ mineral water company admit to massive fraud," 12 June 2020 The former Georgia gubernatorial candidate is seen as an up-and-comer in the Democratic Party. — Ryan Teague Beckwith, Bloomberg.com, "Trump Aide Trolls Biden by Urging More Airtime: Campaign Update," 11 June 2020 Check social media on Facebook and Instagram regarding the evolving situation with the coronavirus crisis for the most up-to-date information. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, "North Carolina's First Alpine Coaster Opens in Banner Elk," 11 June 2020 The up-and-coming group has a youthful, energetic sound, which is great for blasting with the windows down. — Chris Bieri, Anchorage Daily News, "New Alaska music: Concrete to Clouds examines social media, Blackwater records from the island and Emma Hill releases a new video.," 10 June 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition Alarm bells went off for many of the older members of BRAW who remembered bluebirds while growing up on dairy farms. — Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin’s Bluebird Comeback: Beautiful native bird is thriving with human help," 25 June 2020 Seniors in 2019 made up more than 16% of the U.S. population, compared to 13% in 2010. — NBC News, "Census shows white decline, nonwhite majority among youngest Americans," 25 June 2020 People aged 65 and older made up 1,118 of the 1,490 deaths, or 75%. — Alison Steinbach, The Arizona Republic, "Arizona reports more than 3,000 new COVID-19 cases as total case count surpasses 60,000," 25 June 2020 Seniors in 2019 made up more than 16% of the U.S. population, compared to 13% in 2010. — Washington Post, "Census shows white decline, nonwhite majority among youngest," 25 June 2020 Franco, whose work focused on demilitarizing the police, was murdered under mysterious circumstances—but evidence suggests her killer was an ex-cop and member of a milicia, a type of paramilitary organization made up of former law enforcement. — Laura Weiss, The New Republic, "How America Exports Police Violence Around the World," 25 June 2020 The pandemic hit theaters, bars, restaurants—and anywhere else that made up a pre-pandemic social life—like some sci-fi invader. — Katherine Dunn, Fortune, "British cinemas are confronting the economics of reopening," 25 June 2020 The band’s social media accounts and website were changed on Thursday to refer to the new name for the band, which is made up of Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines and Emily Strayer. — Time, "Country Group Dixie Chicks Drop 'Dixie' From Name, Will Now Be Known as The Chicks," 25 June 2020 On June 18, Black Belt residents made up 27 percent of the state’s confirmed coronavirus cases and a quarter of coronavirus deaths. — al, "Alabama graduation coach sending self-care kits to Black Belt teens," 25 June 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'up.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Learn More about up
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'
The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'
When a meeting is pushed, but you don't know what that means
Dictionary Entries near up
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for up
Last Updated
26 Jun 2020
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2020.
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More Definitions for up
up
adverbEnglish Language Learners Definition of up
(Entry 1 of 5)
: from a lower to a higher place or position
: in a high position or place
: toward the sky or ceiling
up
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of up (Entry 2 of 5)
: in a high place or position
: raised so as to be opened
: risen above the horizon
up
prepositionEnglish Language Learners Definition of up (Entry 3 of 5)
: to, toward, or at a higher point on (something)
: along the course or path of (something)
up
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of up (Entry 4 of 5)
: a period or state of success, happiness, etc.
up
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of up (Entry 5 of 5)
: to make (something) higher
See the full definition for up in the English Language Learners Dictionary
up
adverb\ ˈəp \
\Kids Definition of up
(Entry 1 of 5)
1 : in or to a high or higher place or position She put her hand up.
2 : in or into a vertical position Stand up.
3 : from beneath a surface (as ground or water) Come up for air.
4 : with greater force or to a greater level Speak up. Turn the heat up.
5 : so as to make more active Stir up the fire.
6 : so as to appear or be present The missing ring turned up.
7 : completely Use it up.
8 : so as to approach or be near He walked up and said “hello.”
9 : from below the horizon The sun came up.
10 : out of bed What time did you get up?
11 : in or into a better or more advanced state He worked his way up in the company. She grew up on a farm.
12 : for consideration or discussion I brought up the issue.
13 : into the control of another I gave myself up.
14 —used to show completenessFill up the gas tank.
15 : so as to be closed Seal up the package.
16 : in or into pieces The puppy tore it up.
17 : to a stop Pull up at the curb.
18 : into a working or usable state I set up the computer.
up
adjectiveKids Definition of up (Entry 2 of 5)
1 : risen above the horizon or ground The sun is up.
2 : being out of bed
3 : unusually high Gas prices are up.
4 : having been raised or built The windows are up. The house is up.
5 : moving or going upward an up elevator
6 : being busy and moving about He likes to be up and doing things.
7 : well prepared Are you up for this challenge?
8 : happy or excited The team was up after their win.
9 : going on Find out what's up.
10 : at an end Time is up.
11 : well informed I'm not up on the latest news.
12 : functioning correctly The computer system is up.
up
prepositionKids Definition of up (Entry 3 of 5)
1 : to, toward, or at a higher point of He climbed up a ladder.
2 : to or toward the beginning of We paddled up a river.
3 : along entry 1 sense 1 Let's walk up the street.
up to
1 : as far as We found ourselves in mud up to our ankles.
2 : in accordance with The game was not up to our standards.
3 : to the limit of The car holds up to six people.
up
nounKids Definition of up (Entry 4 of 5)
: a period or state of doing well You've had your ups and downs.
up
verbupped; upping
Kids Definition of up (Entry 5 of 5)
1 : to act suddenly or surprisingly The teenager upped and left home.
2 : to make or become higher Coffee producers upped prices.
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Time Traveler for up
The first known use of up was before the 12th century
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