1 C1 informal
To cause something to become sticky, clogged, or obstructed so that it cannot function properly.
"The sugary residue had gummied up the valve so badly that no air could pass through."
separable
gummy up
C1 informal separable transitive
To make something sticky, clogged, or inefficient with a gummy substance — a variant of 'gum up'.
In plain English
To make something sticky and clogged up so it doesn't work properly.
What does "gummy up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something gummy (sticky) — transparent.
Actually means
To make something sticky and clogged up so it doesn't work properly.
Usage tip
Very rare variant of 'gum up.' Most native speakers would say 'gum up' rather than 'gummy up.' Learners should use 'gum up' as the default form.
Words that pair with "gummy up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mechanism works engine filter system
How to conjugate "gummy up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gummy up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gummies up
he/she/it
Past simple
gummied up
yesterday
Past participle
gummied up
have + pp
-ing form
gummying up
continuous
Hear "gummy up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "gummy up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "gummy up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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