strike up

verb

struck up; struck up also stricken up; striking up; strikes up

intransitive verb

: to begin to sing or play or to be sung or played

transitive verb

1
: to cause to begin singing or playing
strike up the band
2
: to cause to begin
strike up a conversation

Examples of strike up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the summer of 1985, Larry and Valerie exchanged glances across The Parker House bar, but then Larry worked up the courage to walk over and strike up a conversation. Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, Esther’s husband Sasha (Timothy Simons) strikes up a flirtation with Joanne’s sister Morgan (Justine Lupe). Natalie Sitek, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025 Solo travelers can also meet people by joining group tours, attending local events, or striking up conversations with fellow travelers. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025 Sweeney and O’Brien play grieving siblings who meet in a twin bereavement group and strike up a friendship, and the scene reveals events that are best kept as a surprise. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for strike up 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of strike up was circa 1562

Cite this Entry

“Strike up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strike%20up. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

strike up

verb
1
: to begin or cause to begin to sing or play
strike up the band
2
: to cause to begin
strike up a conversation

More from Merriam-Webster on strike up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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