bale up

C1 neutral separable transitive

In simple words

To press something like hay or paper into a big, tight block and tie it up.

Literal meaning: To form something into a bale — transparent in meaning.

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

rare

To use a baling machine or manual effort to compress material into a tight bundle tied with wire or twine.

"The farmers spent the afternoon baling up the hay before the rain arrived."

Grammar: separable

2 C1 neutral

rare

To compact and bind waste materials such as cardboard or paper for recycling or transport.

"The recycling centre bales up all cardboard before sending it to the plant."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Predominantly used in agriculture, recycling, and textile industries. The result is called a 'bale.' Most common in farming communities.

hay straw cotton paper wool waste

Base

bale up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

bales up

he/she/it

Past simple

baled up

yesterday

Past participle

baled up

have + pp

-ing form

baling up

continuous

Try:

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compress bundle pack bind compact tie up

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