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.
Safety officials warn that lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm and that anyone outdoors should seek shelter immediately if thunder is heard. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026 Conversations struck up while pumping gas or waiting for coffee. Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 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 Artisan captures footage of each participant striking up conversations with women, and then plays it back for the group like a football team grinding tape. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 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

Cite this Entry

“Strike up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strike%20up. Accessed 5 Jul. 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

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