1 C1 neutral
to become pink or rosy in the face or skin
"Her cheeks pinked up after the walk in the cold air."
inseparable
pink up
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
to become pinker in color, especially in the face, often because of health, cold, or effort
In plain English
to turn a little pink
What does "pink up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
to begin to look healthier because the skin gains more color
"He rested for a week and soon pinked up again."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to become pink
Actually means
to turn a little pink
Usage tip
Uncommon. Often used in descriptions of a face or skin looking healthier or redder.
Words that pair with "pink up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cheeks face skin
How to conjugate "pink up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pink up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pinks up
he/she/it
Past simple
pinked up
yesterday
Past participle
pinked up
have + pp
-ing form
pinking up
continuous
Hear "pink up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pink up"
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