1 C1 idiomatic informal
To casually think up or improvise an idea, plan, or creative piece.
"She noodled up a little melody on the piano while waiting for inspiration."
separable
noodle up
C1 informal separable transitive
Informal American expression meaning to think something up, improvise, or work out an idea in a casual or exploratory way.
In plain English
To think of or work out an idea, often in a relaxed or playful way.
What does "noodle up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Informal and uncommon. 'Noodle' as a verb (to think or brainstorm) is itself informal American English. 'Noodle up' adds the sense of generating or producing an idea. More likely encountered in casual American speech or writing. Learners should use 'think up' or 'come up with' instead.
Words that pair with "noodle up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea solution plan tune melody
How to conjugate "noodle up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
noodle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
noodles up
he/she/it
Past simple
noodled up
yesterday
Past participle
noodled up
have + pp
-ing form
noodling up
continuous
Hear "noodle up" in the wild
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