1 C1 informal
To develop a deep tan or bronzed skin tone through sun exposure or artificial means.
"After two weeks in the Caribbean, she had bronzed up beautifully."
inseparable
bronze up
C1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To develop a deep, golden-brown tan on the skin, or to give something a bronze colour or finish.
In plain English
To get very tanned skin, or to make something look bronze-coloured.
What does "bronze up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
To apply a bronze-coloured coating or finish to a surface or object.
"The sculptor bronzed up the plaster model before displaying it at the gallery."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To become or make something the colour of bronze — a direct extension of the literal metal's appearance.
Actually means
To get very tanned skin, or to make something look bronze-coloured.
Usage tip
Informal and uncommon. Used in both the intransitive sense (skin bronzing naturally) and transitive sense (applying a bronze-coloured product). Encountered in beauty, fashion, and bodybuilding contexts.
Words that pair with "bronze up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
skin complexion body statue limbs finish
How to conjugate "bronze up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bronze up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bronzes up
he/she/it
Past simple
bronzed up
yesterday
Past participle
bronzed up
have + pp
-ing form
bronzing up
continuous
Hear "bronze up" in the wild
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