bel·ly-up | \ ˈbe-lē-ˈəp 
\
\Definition of belly-up
(Entry 1 of 2)
: hopelessly ruined or defeated especially : bankrupt the business went belly-up
belly up
verbbellied up; bellying up; bellies up
Definition of belly up (Entry 2 of 2)
: to move close or next to
bellied up to the bar
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on belly-up
What made you want to look up belly-up? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quiz - True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quiz - SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share belly-up
Time Traveler for belly-up
The first known use of belly-up was in 1880
See more words from the same year