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bunch up

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

When cloth folds up in wrinkles, or people crowd into one area.

Literal meaning: To gather into a bunch or bunches upward.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

(Of clothing or fabric) to gather into folds or wrinkles, especially by riding up.

"Her dress kept bunching up at the back whenever she sat down."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

(Of people or vehicles) to crowd or pack closely together, often causing a blockage or delay.

"The cyclists bunched up as they approached the narrow mountain pass."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 neutral

To tighten the muscles of the body, especially the shoulders or fists.

"He bunched up his fists and stared across the room at his opponent."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common for describing fabric or clothing that has ridden up or gathered. Also used for traffic or people crowding. Slightly more informal than 'bunch together.'

Commonly used with

skirt socks traffic crowd fabric runners

Forms

Base
bunch up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bunches up
he/she/it
Past simple
bunched up
yesterday
Past participle
bunched up
have + pp
-ing form
bunching up
continuous

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