bulk up

verb

bulked up; bulking up; bulks up

intransitive verb

: to gain weight especially by becoming more muscular

transitive verb

: to cause to bulk up

Examples of bulk up in a Sentence

she bulked up her hair with one hand as she reached for the shears with the other

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether this was their explicit intention or not, the Cavs bulked up everywhere else, and as a result, Garland and Mitchell are more insulated from attacks by opponents on both ends of the floor. —Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

For any of Trump’s good works to stand, the GOP must bulk up its House caucus next year. —Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025

Yukon Gold potatoes: In addition to bulking up the stew, the potatoes cook until tender and absorb flavor so each one is a scrumptious treat in the bowl. —Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025

Taking it after a meal may support digestion by bulking up your stool.5 Some people may experience discomfort when taking a fiber supplement too close to mealtimes. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for bulk up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup