powered up; powering up; powers up
: to cause to operate
power up the computer
pow·er-up
ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˌəp 
variants
or less commonly powerup
or power up
plural power-ups also powerups or power ups
1
: an item in a video game that makes a player's character more effective by enhancing an attribute (such as speed, health, or strength) or conferring an ability
… a bunch of power-ups at your disposal to help overcome the odds, including the Super Bell—which gives you catlike powers and the ability to climb walls.—
Jon Bitner
Jon BitnerYou can use the direction keys on your keyboard to navigate Pac-Man through the maze, gobbling up spheres and power ups while avoiding ghosts.—Cassidy Ward
Cassidy WardAfter you collect enough gems and level up, you're able to select another weapon or powerup.—Kris Holt
Kris Holt2
: the act of beginning to operate or causing something to operate
The drive is instantly recognized and ready to go on power-up.—Dwight Silverman
Dwight Silverman… on power up, the user will experience the most rapid start-up time ever …—Business Wire
Business WireExamples of power up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
Others confront technology’s emerging presence in rental properties, from artificial intelligence falsifying property image listings to portable solar energy powering up apartments.
—Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026
Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2026
Players match cards to build bridges while using disruptive WILD power-ups to sabotage opponents, block paths and create chaos.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for power up
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Verb
The Titans, with a defensive-minded new coach, elect to power up their running game.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
Others confront technology’s emerging presence in rental properties, from artificial intelligence falsifying property image listings to portable solar energy powering up apartments.
—Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
Despite the prior game being a pack-in title for the PS5, Team Asobi’s full-sized sequel brims with inventive platforming, whimsical power-ups, and a kind of lighthearted fun that recalls the best of Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon.
—Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2026
Players match cards to build bridges while using disruptive WILD power-ups to sabotage opponents, block paths and create chaos.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for power up
Cite this Entry
“Power up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20up. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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