1 B2 neutral
To hire enough employees to meet operational needs, especially for growth, expansion, or a new project
"The company plans to staff up significantly ahead of the new product launch next spring."
inseparable
staff up
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To hire additional employees to increase the size of a workforce, often in preparation for growth or increased demand
In plain English
To hire more workers so you have enough people to do all the work needed
What does "staff up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Staff' means employees; 'up' suggests increasing to the required level
Actually means
To hire more workers so you have enough people to do all the work needed
Usage tip
Common in business and corporate English, particularly in discussions of expansion, product launches, or seasonal demand. Often used by companies announcing hiring drives. More common in American English than British English.
Words that pair with "staff up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
company team department rapidly quickly launch
How to conjugate "staff up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
staff up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
staffs up
he/she/it
Past simple
staffed up
yesterday
Past participle
staffed up
have + pp
-ing form
staffing up
continuous
Hear "staff up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "staff up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "staff up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
build a team expand the workforce hire recruit take on staff
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.