go up

verb

went up; gone up; going up; goes up

intransitive verb

1
: to be built or erected
a new sign went up
2
chiefly British : to attend a university
3
of an actor : to become confused

Examples of go 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.
Before long, the barricades lay tossed aside and the tents within went up in smoke, along with Vucic's power. — Jovana Gec, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 James scored 18 points, grabbed two rebounds and was a minus-22 going up against Paul Reed, and the 76ers were left to hope his presence at center was nothing more than a cameo. — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Tari Eason #17, Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers go up for the rebound during the game during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2026 at Crypto. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 Which team will get the edge as the Brewers look to go up 3-0, and the Rays try to get their first victory? — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for go up

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of go up was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Go up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go%20up. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster