strike up

verb

struck up; struck up also stricken up; striking up; strikes up

intransitive verb

: to begin to sing or play or to be sung or played

transitive verb

1
: to cause to begin singing or playing
strike up the band
2
: to cause to begin
strike up a conversation

Examples of strike up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Having discovered the power of prayer, the prisoner strikes up a relationship with a young chaplain and takes communion for the first time in years. Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025 Hamlin — who has seen a friendship with Jordan get struck up into a partnership to form this race team, his legacy once his driving career is done — offered a final word. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025 The pair quickly struck up a romance, marrying just two months later. Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025 Solo travelers are more approachable, and locals are more likely to strike up conversations. Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strike up

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of strike up was circa 1562

Cite this Entry

“Strike up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strike%20up. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

strike up

verb
1
: to begin or cause to begin to sing or play
strike up the band
2
: to cause to begin
strike up a conversation

More from Merriam-Webster on strike up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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