bull up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To throw darts, aiming at a bullseye, to determine who goes first in a match.

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 polish (boots) thoroughly; by extension, to prepare other military kit, e.g. firearms or uniforms; to clean or organize more generally.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “bull up” mean?

To throw darts, aiming at a bullseye, to determine who goes first in a match.

Is “bull up” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.