1 B2 neutral
(Of a number, price, or rate) to rise slowly and incrementally.
"Petrol prices have been edging up steadily since the start of the year."
inseparable
edge up
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To increase or move upward slowly and gradually, often in small increments.
In plain English
To go up little by little, like a price or number going up slowly.
What does "edge up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To move physically closer to something or someone in a slow, cautious way.
"He edged up to the window and carefully peeked outside."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move upward along the edge — very gradually, staying close to the line.
Actually means
To go up little by little, like a price or number going up slowly.
Usage tip
Very common in financial and economic reporting. Frequently used to describe prices, interest rates, poll numbers, or temperatures rising incrementally. Also used literally for physical movement. Standard in both British and American journalism.
Words that pair with "edge up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
price rate temperature score percentage poll
How to conjugate "edge up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
edge up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
edges up
he/she/it
Past simple
edged up
yesterday
Past participle
edged up
have + pp
-ing form
edging up
continuous
Hear "edge up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "edge up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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