search up
A2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To use a computer or phone to find information about something
Literal meaning: To search something up on a screen — 'up' may relate to pulling information up on a device, similar to 'look up'
Meanings
1 A2 informal
To search for information about something using a search engine, app, or digital device
"I didn't know what the word meant, so I searched it up on my phone."
Grammar: separable
2 A2 informal
To find and review someone's online profile, social media, or digital presence
"Before the date, she searched him up on social media to find out more about him."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily used in informal speech, especially by younger speakers in American English. More recent than 'look up' and clearly tied to digital technology. Some speakers consider it non-standard; 'look up' remains more widely accepted in formal writing.
Commonly used with
something information word place person restaurant
Forms
Base
search up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
searches up
he/she/it
Past simple
searched up
yesterday
Past participle
searched up
have + pp
-ing form
searching up
continuous
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Synonyms
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