: intended to catch up to a theoretical norm or a competitor's accomplishments
: the act or fact of catching up or trying to catch up (as with a norm or competitor)
had to play catch-up
also
: an increase intended to achieve catch-up
caught up; catching up; catches up
1
2
: to provide with the latest information
catch me up on the news
1
a
: to travel fast enough to overtake an advance party
The soldier ran to catch up with his unit.
b
: to reach a state of parity (see parity sense 1) or of being able to cope
students who miss class have difficulty catching up
2
: to bring about arrest for illicit activities
the police caught up with the thieves
3
a
: to complete or compensate (see compensate sense 1) for something belatedly
catch up on lost sleep
b
: to acquire belated information
catch up on the news
Cite this Entry
“Catchup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catchup. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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