1 A2 neutral
For a liquid or gas to rise to the surface in bubbles.
"Hot springs make water bubble up naturally from underground."
bubble up
B2 neutral intransitive
To rise to the surface or emerge gradually, used for liquids, emotions, sounds, or ideas.
In plain English
To come up to the top slowly, like bubbles in a fizzy drink.
What does "bubble up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
For an emotion, memory, or feeling to rise gradually into consciousness or become apparent.
"Old memories started to bubble up as soon as she heard the song."
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
For an idea, trend, or issue to emerge from a lower level and gain attention or importance.
"Concerns about data privacy have been bubbling up in the tech community for years."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For gas or air bubbles to rise upward through a liquid.
Actually means
To come up to the top slowly, like bubbles in a fizzy drink.
Usage tip
Used both literally (of liquids, gases) and metaphorically (of emotions, memories, ideas). The metaphorical use is very common in journalism and literary writing.
Words that pair with "bubble up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
laughter memories anger ideas water feelings
How to conjugate "bubble up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bubble up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bubbles up
he/she/it
Past simple
bubbled up
yesterday
Past participle
bubbled up
have + pp
-ing form
bubbling up
continuous
Hear "bubble up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bubble up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "bubble up"
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Keep exploring
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