Up Definition & Meaning

up
adverb
  1. spatially or metaphorically from a lower to a higher position; "look up!"; "the music surged up"; "the fragments flew upwards"; "prices soared upwards"; "upwardly mobile"
  2. to a higher intensity; "he turned up the volume"
  3. nearer to the speaker; "he walked up and grabbed my lapels"
  4. to a more central or a more northerly place; "was transferred up to headquarters"; "up to Canada for a vacation"
  5. to a later time; "they moved the meeting date up"; "from childhood upward"
adjective
  1. being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level; "the anchor is up"; "the sun is up"; "he lay face up"; "he is up by a pawn"; "the market is up"; "the corn is up"
  2. out of bed; "are they astir yet?"; "up by seven each morning"
  3. getting higher or more vigorous; "its an up market"; "an improving economy"
  4. extending or moving toward a higher place; "the up staircase"; "a general upward movement of fish"
  5. (usually followed by `on' or `for') in readiness; "he was up on his homework"; "had to be up for the game"
  6. open; "the windows are up"
  7. (used of computers) operating properly; "how soon will the computers be up?"
  8. used up; "time is up"
verb
  1. raise; "up the ante"

Synonyms for up

astir adj

out of bed; "are they astir yet?"; "up by seven each morning" on the move; "up and about

♫ Rhymes
aweigh adj

(used of an anchor) hanging clear of the bottom; "anchors aweigh" (of an anchor) just clear of the bottom

♫ Rhymes
dormie adj

in match play a side that stands as many holes ahead as there are holes remaining to be played

♫ Rhymes
heavenward adv

toward heaven; "he pointed heavenward" directed toward heaven or the sky; "the soul in its heavenward flight"

♫ Rhymes
improving adj

getting higher or more vigorous; "its an up market"; "an improving economy"

♫ Rhymes
leading adj

indicating the most important performer or role; "the leading man"; "prima ballerina"; "prima donna

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
raised adj

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position; "a raised design

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
risen adj

(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon; "the risen sun"

♫ Rhymes
rising adj

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status; "a rising trend

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
skyward adv

toward the sky; "look skywards!" directed toward heaven or the sky; "the soul in its heavenward flight"

♫ Rhymes

"Up" in song lyrics

See how up is used in real songs:

  • "And roll 'em up"
    (11/5 f/) Taydatay — Roll 'Em Up [Edit]
  • "Roll 'em up"
    (11/5 f/) Taydatay — Roll 'Em Up [Edit]
  • "Fool you know what's up"
    (11/5 f/) Taydatay — Roll 'Em Up [Edit]

Words that rhyme with up

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Usage tips for "up"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "up" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for up to find words that pair well.

Use "up" in a verse

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♫ Rhymes with up ↔ Synonyms for up 🔬 Words containing up

Frequently asked questions

What does up mean?
spatially or metaphorically from a lower to a higher position; "look up!"; "the music surged up"; "the fragments flew upwards"; "prices soared upwards"; "upwardly mobile" to a higher intensity; "he turned up the volume" nearer to the speaker; "he walked up and grabbed my lapels" to a more central or a more northerly place; "was transferred up to headquarters"; "up to Canada for a vacation" to a later time; "they moved the meeting date up
What part of speech is up?
Up is an adverb, an adjective, and a verb.
How many definitions does up have?
Up has 14 definitions across 3 parts of speech (adverb, adjective, verb).

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