do up

verb

did up; done up; doing up; does up

transitive verb

1
: fasten
do up the buttons of a shirt
… an elderly lady with her jacket done up tightly against the wind …Sue Lloyd-Roberts
2
a
: to deck (someone) out : clothe
The waitstaff was done up in western attire.
b
: to furnish (something) with something ornamental : decorate
She always does up the house for the holidays.
3
: to prepare (something) for wear or use (as by cleaning or repairing)
"… I'll make the pies and lady fingers tomorrow and do up my white muslin dress. …"Lucy Maud Montgomery
4
a
: to wrap (something) up
do up a package
b
: to prepare and preserve (something) for later use : can entry 2, put up
I did up a bushel of tomatoes.
5
: exhaust, wear out
This contact with righteousness has about done me up!Sinclair Lewis

Examples of do up in a Sentence

the whole house had been done up for Halloween on Wild West Day some of the women came to the office done up as showgirls, while the men were mostly outlaws
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dramatically done up in monochromatic tones of mint green, dusty rose, and powder blue, the 124 guest rooms and suites marry the regal feeling of French castles with contemporary conveniences such as towel warmers, technology panels to customize lighting and temperature, and smart toilets. Katie Chang, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 The 106 guest rooms and suites are tastefully done up in crisp blue and white, puffy beds in Frette linens, and marble bathrooms with Diptyque toiletries. Katie Chang, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024 Getting done up is standard at a boudoir shoot because feeling your hottest translates into better photos, and the same applies at home—yes, even if your face and hair won’t be included in all or most of your pics. Erica Sloan, SELF, 11 Oct. 2024 The Ultimate Design logo is done up in gold to match the metal components, and the device’s layered steel construction can be seen along the case edges and the camera surround. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for do up 

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of do up was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near do up

Cite this Entry

“Do up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do%20up. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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