phrasal verb
put up
put UP
Put up (phrasal verb) means to build, erect or fix something in a raised position so that it can be seen or used. Example: “They put up a marquee in the garden the night before.”
phrasal verb
1
To build, erect or fix something in a raised position so that it can be seen or used.
"They put up a marquee in the garden the night before."
"She put up posters all over campus."
2
To let someone stay in your home or pay for their accommodation for a short time.
"We can put you up for a couple of nights if the hotels are full."
"The label put the band up in a cheap motel."
3
To provide or offer something — money, resistance, an argument or a candidate.
"An anonymous donor put up half the funding."
"He put up no resistance when the police arrived."
"The party put up a candidate in every seat."
How to use put up
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo build or hang something, or to let someone stay at your place.
When to use it
Neutral; the accommodation sense is slightly informal.
Memory tip
With a pronoun object the parts must split: "put us up", not "put up us".
Easily confused with
put up with
set up
put on
Common pairings
put up a fight
put up a tent
put up the money
put someone up for the night
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They _____ a marquee in the garden the night before.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
take down
dismantle
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does "put up with" mean?
It means to tolerate something unpleasant without complaining: "I won't put up with that noise." It is a separate three-part verb and has no connection to building or hosting.
What is the difference between "put up" and "set up"?
"Put up" is about physically raising or erecting something, or lodging a person. "Set up" is about arranging or establishing something, which may be abstract — you put up a tent but set up a company.
What does "put up or shut up" mean?
It challenges someone to back their talk with action, money or evidence, or else stop talking. It comes from gambling, where a player must place a stake to stay in the hand.
What is the meaning of put up?
"put up" (phrasal verb) means to build, erect or fix something in a raised position so that it can be seen or used.
