1 A2 neutral
To wind a rope, cable, hose, or similar flexible object into a neat series of loops.
"After the game, the groundskeeper coiled up the watering hose and stored it in the shed."
separable
coil up
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To wind or twist something into a series of loops, or (of a creature or object) to arrange itself in a spiral shape.
In plain English
To wrap something into a neat circle or spiral, like a rope or a snake does.
What does "coil up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
(Of a snake or similar creature) to draw its body into a tight spiral, typically as a resting or defensive posture.
"The cobra coiled up and raised its head in warning."
“
The snake coiled up among the rocks, perfectly still.
— David Attenborough, The Life of Reptiles (BBC documentary narration, paraphrased)
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To curl one's body tightly, often in a small or confined space.
"The cat coiled up on the windowsill and fell asleep in the sun."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Fully transparent: to cause to form coils, or to take on a coiled shape.
Actually means
To wrap something into a neat circle or spiral, like a rope or a snake does.
Usage tip
Used both transitively ('he coiled up the hose') and intransitively ('the snake coiled up'). Natural and widely understood. Common in descriptions of sailing, gardening, camping, or wildlife.
Words that pair with "coil up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rope hose cable wire snake spring
How to conjugate "coil up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
coil up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
coils up
he/she/it
Past simple
coiled up
yesterday
Past participle
coiled up
have + pp
-ing form
coiling up
continuous
Hear "coil up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "coil up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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