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
Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 22 May 2026
Atlanta and Toronto are playoff teams on the rise, with the trade resources to power up.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026
But Eriksson Ek will be back, and the issue here is whether there is room for McCarron and Nico Sturm on a team that needs to power-up offensively somewhere.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for power up
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Verb
The portable power station can power up to nine devices at once through its AC, USB-C, USB-A, and 12V ports.
—Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 22 May 2026
Atlanta and Toronto are playoff teams on the rise, with the trade resources to power up.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Noun
This is the ultimate power-up for your gaming rig.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026
But Eriksson Ek will be back, and the issue here is whether there is room for McCarron and Nico Sturm on a team that needs to power-up offensively somewhere.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 20 May 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 31 May. 2026.
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