1 C1 idiomatic informal
To summon or call for someone or something quickly, as if by a signal.
"The general whistled up reinforcements within the hour."
separable
whistle up
C1 informal separable transitive
To summon or produce something or someone quickly, as if by simply whistling for them.
In plain English
To get something or someone to appear very quickly, as if by magic.
What does "whistle up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To produce or arrange something resourcefully and at short notice.
"She somehow whistled up a three-course dinner from almost nothing in the fridge."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To call someone or something toward you by whistling upward — as a signal.
Actually means
To get something or someone to appear very quickly, as if by magic.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Implies the ability to produce or arrange something with little apparent effort. Can carry a slightly old-fashioned or literary tone.
Words that pair with "whistle up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
taxi transport reinforcements meal volunteers help
How to conjugate "whistle up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
whistle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
whistles up
he/she/it
Past simple
whistled up
yesterday
Past participle
whistled up
have + pp
-ing form
whistling up
continuous
Hear "whistle up" in the wild
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