chalk up

verb

chalked up; chalking up; chalks up
Synonyms of chalk upnext

transitive verb

1
: ascribe, credit
chalked up his failures to inexperience
2
: attain, achieve
chalk up another victory

Examples of chalk up in a Sentence

let's chalk up her weird behavior to simple nervousness chalked up a record in singles tennis that is likely to stand for a long time
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.
But every so often there comes a day that is so different—so unusual—so spectacular that its happening can only be chalked up to old-fashioned, knee-slapping good luck. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026 Mike Tilly tallied 18 digs and Kevin Collins chalked up 13 assists. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 The appointment where pain was chalked up to stress. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026 However, seeing the obviously unwell Jane continually fly off the handle is challenging to watch, especially since her behavior is chalked up to bad nerves and a desperate desire to find a man who will save her from herself. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chalk up

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of chalk up was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Chalk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chalk%20up. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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