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.
Then, a five-piece band strikes up in the corner. Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026 Ekitike and Wirtz, who have struck up a bond off the pitch, found the physicality and intensity of Premier League football a culture shock. James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Bezos has, meanwhile, struck up a working and warm relationship with the president. David Folkenflik, NPR, 30 Jan. 2026 After disembarking and heading back into the waiting room, goodbyes were being shared among the guests, many of whom had clearly struck up fast friendships over late-night negronis. Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 Jan. 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

Cite this Entry

“Strike up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strike%20up. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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