1 A2 neutral
To buy or gather a large quantity of something in advance, especially before a shortage or period of high demand.
"People stocked up on bottled water before the hurricane hit."
inseparable
stock up
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To buy or gather a large supply of something, often in preparation for future need.
In plain English
To buy a lot of something so you have plenty for later.
What does "stock up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
For a retailer to replenish their inventory with new goods.
"The shop stocked up on Christmas decorations at the start of November."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To increase one's stock of something.
Actually means
To buy a lot of something so you have plenty for later.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday English. Usually followed by 'on': 'stock up on food/supplies.' Implies a deliberate act of preparation. Common before holidays, storms, or expected shortages.
Words that pair with "stock up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
food supplies medicine groceries fuel essentials
How to conjugate "stock up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stock up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stocks up
he/she/it
Past simple
stocked up
yesterday
Past participle
stocked up
have + pp
-ing form
stocking up
continuous
Hear "stock up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "stock up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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