1 A2 neutral
To reduce food, spices, or other substances to small pieces or a fine powder using a grinder or similar tool.
"Grind up the cumin and coriander seeds before adding them to the sauce."
separable
grind up
B1 neutral separable transitive
To reduce something to small pieces or powder by grinding.
In plain English
To crush something into tiny pieces or powder using a machine or tool.
What does "grind up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To destroy or reduce something thoroughly by grinding — used more broadly beyond food.
"The industrial machine grinds up old tyres so the rubber can be recycled."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To grind something completely upward — 'up' indicates full completion of the grinding process.
Actually means
To crush something into tiny pieces or powder using a machine or tool.
Usage tip
Very common in cooking and food preparation contexts. Also used in industrial and pharmaceutical contexts. 'Up' emphasizes the completeness of the action — grinding until fully reduced.
Words that pair with "grind up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
coffee spices meat pills grain pepper
How to conjugate "grind up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
grind up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
grinds up
he/she/it
Past simple
grinded up
yesterday
Past participle
grinded up
have + pp
-ing form
grinding up
continuous
Hear "grind up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "grind up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "grind up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
blend crush mill mince powder pulverize
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