strike up

verb

struck up; struck up also stricken up; striking up; strikes up

intransitive verb

: to begin to sing or play or to be sung or played

transitive verb

1
: to cause to begin singing or playing
strike up the band
2
: to cause to begin
strike up a conversation

Examples of strike up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Dallas, bands struck up tunes to try to cheer the glum listeners on their way home. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 Conversations struck up while pumping gas or waiting for coffee. — Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 Friends and relatives of Joey described him as a polite, happy-go-lucky kid who would strike up a conversation with anyone. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026 Bryant describes herself as a people person, someone who can strike up a conversation anywhere and leave knowing someone's life story. — Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for strike up

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of strike up was circa 1562

Rhymes for strike up

See All Rhymes for strike up

Browse Nearby Words

strike/touch a chord in/with
strike up
strike up a conversation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strike up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strike%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

strike up

verb
1
: to begin or cause to begin to sing or play
strike up the band
2
: to cause to begin
strike up a conversation

More from Merriam-Webster on strike up

Nglish: Translation of strike up for Spanish Speakers

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