1 B2 idiomatic informal
To pay a sum of money, typically when required to do so and often unwillingly.
"The landlord refused to stump up the money for repairs, so the tenants contacted the council."
separable
stump up
B2 informal separable transitive
To produce or pay a required amount of money, often reluctantly.
In plain English
Pay money, especially when you don't really want to.
What does "stump up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Often implies the speaker is reluctant to pay. Commonly used in contexts such as paying taxes, contributions, or unexpected bills. Can be used without an object ('will you stump up?').
Words that pair with "stump up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cash fee bill funds money deposit
How to conjugate "stump up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stump up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stumps up
he/she/it
Past simple
stumped up
yesterday
Past participle
stumped up
have + pp
-ing form
stumping up
continuous
Hear "stump up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "stump up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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