1 B2 idiomatic informal
To arrive somewhere, often unexpectedly or without prior arrangement (British English).
"He just pitched up at the party without being invited and helped himself to a drink."
pitch up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To arrive, especially unexpectedly or without much formality; also to erect or set up a tent or camp.
In plain English
To arrive somewhere, often without warning; or to put up a tent.
What does "pitch up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To erect a tent or set up camp.
"We pitched up our tent near the river and started cooking dinner."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Sense 2 is transparent (to pitch — erect — a tent upward). Sense 1 is idiomatic, possibly from the nautical sense of a ship pitching into port.
Actually means
To arrive somewhere, often without warning; or to put up a tent.
Usage tip
Sense 1 (to arrive) is primarily British English and implies an informal, unannounced, or casual arrival — often with mild surprise. Common in everyday British speech. Sense 2 (to erect a tent/camp) is more literal and used in outdoor/camping contexts. Both senses are informal.
Words that pair with "pitch up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
late unannounced tent camp uninvited at the door
How to conjugate "pitch up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pitch up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pitches up
he/she/it
Past simple
pitched up
yesterday
Past participle
pitched up
have + pp
-ing form
pitching up
continuous
Hear "pitch up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pitch up"
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