1 A2 informal
To form a pair with another person, especially to work on a shared task.
"OK, everyone partner up — we're going to do this exercise in pairs."
inseparable
partner up
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
To join with one other person to form a pair or team, especially for a task or activity.
In plain English
To find someone to work with as your partner.
What does "partner up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To form a business or professional partnership with someone.
"The two startups decided to partner up to compete with the bigger corporations."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pair up with someone as a partner.
Actually means
To find someone to work with as your partner.
Usage tip
Frequently used in classrooms, workplaces, and sports contexts. Common in instructional language: 'Partner up with the person next to you.' Can also be used in business contexts for forming partnerships.
Words that pair with "partner up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
class project exercise activity assignment drill
How to conjugate "partner up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
partner up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
partners up
he/she/it
Past simple
partnered up
yesterday
Past participle
partnered up
have + pp
-ing form
partnering up
continuous
Hear "partner up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "partner up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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