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join up

B1 neutral separable both
In simple words

To become a soldier or member of something, or to put separate things together so they connect.

Literal meaning: To attach upward or together — partially transparent in the connecting sense.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To enlist in the military or join an organization as a full member.

"My grandfather joined up at the age of eighteen and served in the navy."

"I joined up because I wanted to serve my country."

— Common phrasing used by veterans in interviews; widely attested in WWII oral history collections
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To connect or join separate things or people together.

"Join up the dots to reveal the hidden picture."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To meet up or unite with others for a shared purpose.

"The two hiking groups joined up at the summit before descending together."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The military sense is historically common in British English ('he joined up in 1939'). The connecting sense is common in both British and American English. Also used figuratively for people or organizations coming together.

Commonly used with

army forces military dots roads partners teams

Forms

Base
join up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
joins up
he/she/it
Past simple
joined up
yesterday
Past participle
joined up
have + pp
-ing form
joining up
continuous

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