brown up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To become or make (something) brown in color, such as by cooking.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To become browner from tanning.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To put on or wear brownface makeup.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “brown up” mean?
To become or make (something) brown in color, such as by cooking.
Is “brown up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.