1 B1 informal
(Gaming/informal) To indicate that you are prepared and ready to begin, especially in an online multiplayer game.
"Everyone needs to ready up before we can start the match."
inseparable
ready up
B1 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To prepare oneself or signal that one is ready, often used in gaming or casual group situations.
In plain English
To get yourself ready, or to press a button in a game to show everyone you're ready to start.
What does "ready up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To prepare someone or something for use or action.
"The crew readied up the equipment before the director arrived on set."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something or oneself fully ready.
Actually means
To get yourself ready, or to press a button in a game to show everyone you're ready to start.
Usage tip
Widely used in online gaming culture where players 'ready up' to indicate they are prepared to begin a match. Also used informally in everyday English to mean simply getting prepared. Gaining wider currency through gaming culture.
Words that pair with "ready up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
match game lobby team gear players
How to conjugate "ready up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ready up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
readies up
he/she/it
Past simple
readied up
yesterday
Past participle
readied up
have + pp
-ing form
readying up
continuous
Hear "ready up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "ready up"
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