1 A2 neutral
(Literal) To lift or gather something with a curved, sweeping motion of the hands or a utensil.
"She scooped up the fallen leaves with both hands and dumped them into the bin."
separable
scoop up
A2 neutral separable transitive
To lift or gather something using a scooping motion, or to acquire something eagerly.
In plain English
To pick something up with a fast, smooth movement using your hands or a tool.
What does "scoop up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
(Figurative) To acquire, win, or get hold of something desirable, often quickly or in large quantities.
"The film scooped up four Academy Awards on the night."
separable
3 A2 neutral
(Literal) To pick up a person, especially a child, with a sweeping arm motion.
"He scooped up his daughter and spun her around when he came home from his trip."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To scoop something upward — transparent.
Actually means
To pick something up with a fast, smooth movement using your hands or a tool.
Usage tip
Very common in both literal and figurative uses. Literally: picking up children, animals, or objects. Figuratively: acquiring bargains, awards, or opportunities. Used widely in journalism ('scooped up the award').
Words that pair with "scoop up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
child award bargains sand soil medals
How to conjugate "scoop up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scoop up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scoops up
he/she/it
Past simple
scooped up
yesterday
Past participle
scooped up
have + pp
-ing form
scooping up
continuous
Hear "scoop up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "scoop up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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