stack up

verb

stacked up; stacking up; stacks up

intransitive verb

1

: to add up : total

2

: measure up, compare

—usually used with against

Synonyms

• approach
• approximate
• compare (with)
• measure up (to)

Examples of stack up in a Sentence

those newspapers have been stacking up in the basement since we moved here

Recent Examples on the Web

Here’s how the numbers stack up: How big is the Palisades Fire? —Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 11 Jan. 2025

Unfortunately for young girls mesmerized by speed and competition, climbing the ranks reveals a price tag that is staggering, stacking up at every rung on the ladder. —Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

The table below shows how Dickerson and Barkley stack up in their signature seasons. —Mike Sando, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Power rankings: See how all 32 teams stack up with one week left to play in the regular season. —Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stack up

verb

: measure up sense 2, compare

see how you stack up against the champion