draw up

verb

drew up; drawn up; drawing up; draws up

transitive verb

1

: to bring (a body of troops) into array

2

: to prepare a draft or version of

draw up plans

3

: to bring to a halt

4

: to straighten (oneself) to an erect posture especially as an assertion of dignity or resentment

intransitive verb

: to come to a halt

the car drew up at the door

Synonyms of draw up

• stop
• halt
• catch
• stall
• pull up
• check
• stay

Examples of draw up in a Sentence

he drew up his horse outside the tavern

drew up the troops into a line along the ridge

Recent Examples on the Web

Her shortest layers have been deeply side-swept into a gorgeous, retro wave—Campora used the GHD Chronos Curve Curling Iron and ensured the shape wouldn't shift with Joico Heat Hero High Hold + Shine Boosting Finishing Spray—while the bulk of her hair is drawn up into a sophisticated, low bun. —Marci Robin, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026

Five Northern California unions gathered Saturday to draw up signs and banners to prepare in the event of a strike. —Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Greta agrees to draw up the paperwork, and Angela immediately books Ainsley a room at a nearby luxury hotel for the remainder of cheer camp. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026

Sharpe’s role doesn’t come with a green light or a play call drawn up in his name. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for draw up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

draw up

verb

1

: to arrange (as troops) in order

2

: to prepare a draft or version of

draw up plans

3

: to straighten (oneself) to an erect posture

drew himself up angrily and left the room

4

: to bring or come to a stop

the car drew up at the door