pitch up

B2 informal separable both

In simple words

To arrive somewhere, often without warning; or to put up a tent.

Literal meaning: Sense 2 is transparent (to pitch — erect — a tent upward). Sense 1 is idiomatic, possibly from the nautical sense of a ship pitching into port.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To arrive somewhere, often unexpectedly or without prior arrangement (British English).

"He just pitched up at the party without being invited and helped himself to a drink."

2 B2 neutral

uncommon

To erect a tent or set up camp.

"We pitched up our tent near the river and started cooking dinner."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Sense 1 (to arrive) is primarily British English and implies an informal, unannounced, or casual arrival — often with mild surprise. Common in everyday British speech. Sense 2 (to erect a tent/camp) is more literal and used in outdoor/camping contexts. Both senses are informal.

Commonly used with

late unannounced tent camp uninvited at the door

Forms

Base

pitch up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

pitches up

he/she/it

Past simple

pitched up

yesterday

Past participle

pitched up

have + pp

-ing form

pitching up

continuous

Understand "pitch up" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

show up turn up arrive appear roll up rock up

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "pitch up" on Looplines