one-up

1 of 2

verb

ˌwən-ˈəp 

ˈwən-

one-upped; one-upping; one-ups

transitive verb

: to practice one-upmanship on

always trying to one-up each other by buying the latest gadgets

one up

2 of 2

adjective

: being in a position of advantage

—usually used with on

He finished his assignment early, which put him one up on me.

Examples of one-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The Grammy-winning artist posted a photo from his private jet looking out into the clouds, vowing to make a play to one-up Drizzy and win Karol G back. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026

Regardless, Hubbard, who still stays in touch with his former teammate, said surpassing McCaffrey in rushing yards wouldn’t even warrant a playful one-up text. — Will Dehmel october 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Custom gray velvet furniture and boiserie wall panels, a decorative note from 17th-century France, set the tone, and each detail one-ups the next. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026

This also is a chance for Chicago to one-up New York, which, despite rebuilding its airports, has no such direct train at any of the three airports controlled by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from one-upmanship

First Known Use

Verb

1963, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for one-up

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