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bundle up

A2 informal separable transitive/intransitive

To dress warmly in many layers, or to wrap someone or something in thick material to keep warm.

In plain English

To put on lots of warm clothes so you don't get cold.

What does "bundle up" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 informal

To put on many warm layers of clothing to protect against cold weather.

"Make sure you bundle up before going outside — it's freezing today."

inseparable
2 A2 informal

To wrap someone else (especially a child) in warm clothing or blankets.

"She bundled the baby up in a thick fleece before stepping out into the snow."

separable
3 B1 neutral

To gather and tie things together into a compact package.

"He bundled up the old letters with a rubber band and stored them in a box."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To wrap something upward into a tight bundle.

Actually means

To put on lots of warm clothes so you don't get cold.

Usage tip

Very common in everyday spoken English, especially in cold climates. Often used as a caring instruction: 'Bundle up!' Also used literally to wrap objects tightly.

Words that pair with "bundle up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

coat scarf children baby warm clothes layers

How to conjugate "bundle up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
bundle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bundles up
he/she/it
Past simple
bundled up
yesterday
Past participle
bundled up
have + pp
-ing form
bundling up
continuous

Hear "bundle up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "bundle up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.