1 B2 neutral
(Baseball) To return to and touch one's base after a fly ball is caught, as required before advancing to the next base
"The runner tagged up at third base and scored easily after the deep fly ball was caught."
inseparable
tag up
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
In baseball, to return to and touch your base before running after a fly ball is caught; also, to label or mark something with tags
In plain English
In baseball, go back and touch your base before you run after the other team catches the ball
What does "tag up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To attach labels, tags, or identifying markers to items
"Staff spent the afternoon tagging up the new arrivals before the store opened."
separable
3 B1 informal
(Social media, informal) To mention or link to someone by adding their tag in an online post
"Tag me up in that photo so I can see it on my feed."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go back and touch (tag) your base — transparent in baseball; the labelling sense is also transparent.
Actually means
In baseball, go back and touch your base before you run after the other team catches the ball
Usage tip
The baseball sense is a specific rule: a baserunner must return to their base and touch it after a fly ball is caught before they can advance. The labelling sense is used in retail, logistics, and social media (tagging a photo or post).
Words that pair with "tag up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
base runner fly ball photo item post
How to conjugate "tag up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tag up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tags up
he/she/it
Past simple
taged up
yesterday
Past participle
taged up
have + pp
-ing form
taging up
continuous
Hear "tag up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tag up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.