couple up
B2 informal inseparable both
In simple words
To start going out with someone, or to connect two things together.
Literal meaning: To become a couple or to join as a pair — mostly transparent.
Meanings
1 B2 informal
To enter into a romantic relationship with someone.
"Several of the contestants on the show ended up coupling up before the series finished."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To join or connect two things or units together.
"The technician coupled up the two data systems so they could share information."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
The romantic sense is common in everyday speech. The mechanical sense (coupling two railway carriages) is more technical. Often used to describe people getting into relationships during a particular event or period.
Commonly used with
partner friend event carriages units systems
Forms
Base
couple up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
couples up
he/she/it
Past simple
coupled up
yesterday
Past participle
coupled up
have + pp
-ing form
coupling up
continuous
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