1 B2 idiomatic informal
To keep a person or animal confined in a small or enclosed space, especially for too long.
"The kids have been cooped up inside all week because of the rain."
separable
coop up
B2 informal separable transitive
To confine a person or animal in a small or restricted space, often causing frustration or restlessness.
In plain English
To keep someone stuck inside a small space where they can't move around freely.
What does "coop up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To feel trapped or restless because of being forced to stay in a limited space.
"After two weeks of illness, she was going crazy being cooped up in her flat."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put into a coop, the small cage used to keep poultry.
Actually means
To keep someone stuck inside a small space where they can't move around freely.
Usage tip
Almost always used in the passive ('I've been cooped up all day') or with a reflexive feel. Strongly implies discomfort, restlessness, or frustration at being unable to go out. Very commonly used to describe people stuck indoors due to weather, illness, or lockdown.
Words that pair with "coop up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house apartment room indoors all day children animals
How to conjugate "coop up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
coop up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
coops up
he/she/it
Past simple
cooped up
yesterday
Past participle
cooped up
have + pp
-ing form
cooping up
continuous
Hear "coop up" in the wild
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