strike up
verb
struck up; struck up also stricken up; striking up; strikes up
: to begin to sing or play or to be sung or played
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
Robin also strikes up a friendship with a soulful, philosophical leper (Murray Bartlett, covered in wrappings from head to toe), who somehow recognizes his good qualities.
—
Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Tucking in for departure, DeeDee strikes up a flirtation with Cal (Brian Jordan Alvarez), Glamazonian’s hunky co-conductor, while Tess oversees the train’s A-list clientele.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 10 June 2026
Between engaging in conversation and sipping drinks, many of the guests were hoping to strike up a friendship.
—Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Sometimes travelers feel pressured to take a tour, go to a club, or accept a handout from someone on the street who then strikes up a conversation.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for strike up
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.
Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Tucking in for departure, DeeDee strikes up a flirtation with Cal (Brian Jordan Alvarez), Glamazonian’s hunky co-conductor, while Tess oversees the train’s A-list clientele.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 10 June 2026
Between engaging in conversation and sipping drinks, many of the guests were hoping to strike up a friendship.
—Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Sometimes travelers feel pressured to take a tour, go to a club, or accept a handout from someone on the street who then strikes up a conversation.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for strike up
Cite this Entry
“Strike up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strike%20up. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
