1 A2 neutral
To seal or close something securely using adhesive tape.
"She taped up the cardboard boxes before the removal men arrived."
separable
tape up
B1 neutral separable transitive
To fasten, repair, or cover something securely using adhesive tape.
In plain English
To wrap something with tape or stick tape on it to hold it together or close it.
What does "tape up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To bind or support a body part with tape, especially in sport or medicine.
"The physio taped up the player's ankle before the match to give it extra support."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To apply tape all the way around or over something, securing it.
Actually means
To wrap something with tape or stick tape on it to hold it together or close it.
Usage tip
Widely used in everyday and sports contexts. A physio or sports trainer 'tapes up' an athlete's ankle to prevent injury. In moving contexts, people 'tape up' boxes. Can also be used for medical dressings.
Words that pair with "tape up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ankle knee box package wound wrist cable
How to conjugate "tape up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tape up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tapes up
he/she/it
Past simple
taped up
yesterday
Past participle
taped up
have + pp
-ing form
taping up
continuous
Hear "tape up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tape up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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