bulk up

verb

bulked up; bulking up; bulks up
Synonyms of bulk upnext

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
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.
Last year, the company reached a collective $20 billion deal to acquire additional radio spectrum from Boost Mobile’s parent, EchoStar, to bulk up Starlink Mobile. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026 That’s an increase of 5 mph from just three hours ago and shows that the hurricane is starting to bulk up again. — Kate S. Petersen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 On the global stage, that has meant taking a harder line against rivals like China and North Korea, while also bulking up Japan’s military. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026 Since then, Schlittler has bulked up, increased his velocity, cemented himself in Yankees postseason lore, and turned into the nastiest pitcher in a rotation that also features Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulk up

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulk up was in 1979

Rhymes for bulk up

See All Rhymes for bulk up

Browse Nearby Words

bulk-sales law
bulk up
bulky
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Cite this Entry

“Bulk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulk%20up. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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