1 C1 neutral
To apply white makeup or paint to a person's face or skin for theatrical or artistic purposes.
"The mime artist whited up before stepping onto the street to perform."
separable
white up
C1 neutral separable transitive
To apply white makeup or white paint to someone's face or body, particularly for a performance or theatrical purpose.
In plain English
To put white paint or makeup on someone's face so they look white.
What does "white up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
To cover a surface with white paint or coating.
"They whited up the old brick wall to make the kitchen look brighter."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something entirely white by applying a white substance upward or all over.
Actually means
To put white paint or makeup on someone's face so they look white.
Usage tip
Primarily used in theatrical, performance art, or makeup contexts. Also used critically in discussions of historical racist stage practices such as minstrelsy. Use with awareness of sensitive cultural and racial connotations.
Words that pair with "white up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
face actor performer mime stage costume
How to conjugate "white up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
white up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
whites up
he/she/it
Past simple
whited up
yesterday
Past participle
whited up
have + pp
-ing form
whiting up
continuous
Hear "white up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "white up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "white up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
apply white makeup blanch paint white pale
Keep exploring
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