up

  • adverb 1 towards a higher place or position. 2 to or at a place perceived as higher. 3 to the place where someone is. 4 at or to a higher level or value. 5 into the desired or a proper condition. 6 out of bed. 7 in a publicly visible place. 8 (of the sun) visible in the sky. 9 towards the north. Brit. towards or in the capital or a major city. into a happy mood. winning by a specified margin. Brit. at or to a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge.

  • preposition 1 from a lower to a higher point of. 2 from one end to another of (a street or other area).

  • adjective 1 directed or moving towards a higher place or position. 2 at an end. 3 (of the road) being repaired. 4 cheerful. 5 (of a computer system) working properly.

  • noun informal a period of good fortune.

  • verb (upped, upping) increase (a level or amount).

  — PHRASES it is all up with informal it is the end or there is no hope for. on the up and up Brit. informal steadily improving. something is up informal something unusual or undesirable is happening. up against 1 close to or touching. 2 informal confronted with. up and -- informal do (something) abruptly or boldly. up and down in various places throughout. up before appearing for a hearing in the presence of (a judge, magistrate, etc.). up for 1 available for. 2 due or being considered for. 3 informal ready to take part in. up on well informed about. up to 1 as far as. 2 (also up until) until. 3 indicating a maximum amount. 4 good enough for. 5 capable of. 6 the duty or choice of. 7 informal occupied with. up top Brit. informal in the way of intelligence. up yours vulgar slang expressing contemptuous defiance or rejection. what’s up? informal 1 what is going on? 2 what is the matter?

  — ORIGIN Old English.