uplift

1 of 2

verb

up·​lift (ˌ)əp-ˈlift How to pronounce uplift (audio)
uplifted; uplifting; uplifts

transitive verb

1
: to lift up : elevate
especially : to cause (a portion of the earth's surface) to rise above adjacent areas
2
: to improve the spiritual, social, or intellectual condition of
uplifter noun

uplift

2 of 2

noun

up·​lift ˈəp-ˌlift How to pronounce uplift (audio)
1
: an act, process, result, or cause of uplifting: such as
a(1)
: the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface
(2)
: an uplifted mass of land
b
: a bettering of a condition especially spiritually, socially, or intellectually
c(1)
: influences intended to uplift
(2)
: a social movement to improve especially morally or culturally
2
: a brassiere designed to hold the breasts up

Examples of uplift in a Sentence

Verb music that uplifts the soul geologic forces that uplifted the mountains
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.
Verb
Their goal is to uplift entrepreneurs by providing them with visibility, support and access to necessary resources. Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025 From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
Rising payroll bills — partly because of the Government’s decision to raise the minimum wage and increase the contributions employers pay towards social security benefits — and uplifts in other costs, such as energy, have all hit profitability. Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Baden Bower’s proprietary AI algorithms predict optimal publication and angle combinations for maximum SEO uplift, streamlining campaign planning for fashion clients who need to coordinate media coverage with product availability. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for uplift

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uplift was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uplift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uplift. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

uplift

1 of 2 verb
up·​lift (ˌ)əp-ˈlift How to pronounce uplift (audio)
1
: to lift up : elevate
2
: to improve the spiritual, mental, or social condition of

uplift

2 of 2 noun
up·​lift ˈəp-ˌlift How to pronounce uplift (audio)
1
: an act, process, or result of uplifting
especially : the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface
2
: moral or social improvement or a movement to make such improvement

More from Merriam-Webster on uplift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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