1 C1 neutral
To damage a surface by making multiple small cuts or grooves in it.
"Years of use had nicked up the kitchen counter badly."
separable
nick up
C1 neutral separable transitive
To make multiple small cuts, notches, or nicks in a surface or edge.
In plain English
To make lots of small cuts or scratches in something.
What does "nick up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put nicks (small cuts) up and down a surface — largely transparent.
Actually means
To make lots of small cuts or scratches in something.
Usage tip
Uncommon and very specific. Used in practical or craft contexts. The result is a surface covered in small nicks or imperfections. Not widely used in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "nick up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
blade surface edge wood metal
How to conjugate "nick up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
nick up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
nicks up
he/she/it
Past simple
nicked up
yesterday
Past participle
nicked up
have + pp
-ing form
nicking up
continuous
Hear "nick up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "nick up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "nick up"
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