1 B2 informal
(British informal) To help someone climb over an obstacle by letting them step on your hands or by lifting them.
"Can you bunk me up over the wall? I can't reach the top."
separable
bunk up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
British informal: to give someone a leg-up so they can climb over something, or to move up to make room for another person.
In plain English
To help someone climb by lifting them, or to slide over to make space.
What does "bunk up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
(British informal) To move along or make room for another person to sit.
"Bunk up a bit — there's room for one more on this bench."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push or bounce someone upward.
Actually means
To help someone climb by lifting them, or to slide over to make space.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. 'Give someone a bunk up' is a very common fixed expression. Can also be used on its own. The 'make room' sense is slightly less common than the 'boost over a wall' sense.
Words that pair with "bunk up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wall fence seat bench train bus
How to conjugate "bunk up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bunk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bunks up
he/she/it
Past simple
bunked up
yesterday
Past participle
bunked up
have + pp
-ing form
bunking up
continuous
Hear "bunk up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bunk up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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