1 A2 idiomatic informal
To turn up the volume of music or sound to a high level.
"She cranked up the radio and sang along at the top of her voice."
separable
crank up
B1 informal separable transitive
To increase the volume, speed, or intensity of something dramatically, or to start up a machine or process.
In plain English
To turn something up really loud or fast, or to get something started.
What does "crank up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To start a machine or engine, especially by turning a crank or activating it.
"He cranked up the old generator to restore power to the cabin."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To increase the level, intensity, or speed of a process or activity significantly.
"The company cranked up production ahead of the holiday season."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To turn a crank (a handle) to start or increase the speed of a machine — as with an old car engine.
Actually means
To turn something up really loud or fast, or to get something started.
Usage tip
Very common in informal speech, especially for turning up music. Also used for starting old engines (from the literal crank on vintage cars) and for increasing production or pressure. Widely used in American and British English.
Words that pair with "crank up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
music volume engine production pressure heat
How to conjugate "crank up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
crank up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cranks up
he/she/it
Past simple
cranked up
yesterday
Past participle
cranked up
have + pp
-ing form
cranking up
continuous
Hear "crank up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "crank up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "crank up"
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