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plump up

B2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To make a soft thing like a pillow or cushion bigger and puffier by hitting or shaking it

Literal meaning: To make something plump (rounded and full) by puffing it upward

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To shake or squeeze a pillow or cushion so that it becomes full and rounded again

"She plumped up the pillows before the guests arrived to make the bedroom look inviting."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral

To become or make fuller and rounder in shape, especially referring to skin, cheeks, or lips

"After a few weeks of good food and rest, her cheeks had plumped up noticeably."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Most commonly used with pillows, cushions, and similar soft objects. Can also refer to lips looking fuller (in cosmetic contexts) or cheeks becoming plumper. Occasionally used for people or animals gaining healthy weight in an approving way.

Commonly used with

pillow cushion lips cheeks duvet feathers

Forms

Base
plump up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plumps up
he/she/it
Past simple
plumped up
yesterday
Past participle
plumped up
have + pp
-ing form
plumping up
continuous

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