1 A2 informal
To search for information about something using a search engine, app, or digital device
"I didn't know what the word meant, so I searched it up on my phone."
separable
search up
A2 informal separable transitive
To look up information using a search engine or device
In plain English
To use a computer or phone to find information about something
What does "search up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To find and review someone's online profile, social media, or digital presence
"Before the date, she searched him up on social media to find out more about him."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To search something up on a screen — 'up' may relate to pulling information up on a device, similar to 'look up'
Actually means
To use a computer or phone to find information about something
Usage tip
Primarily used in informal speech, especially by younger speakers in American English. More recent than 'look up' and clearly tied to digital technology. Some speakers consider it non-standard; 'look up' remains more widely accepted in formal writing.
Words that pair with "search up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
something information word place person restaurant
How to conjugate "search up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
search up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
searches up
he/she/it
Past simple
searched up
yesterday
Past participle
searched up
have + pp
-ing form
searching up
continuous
Hear "search up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "search up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "search up"
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