catch up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To pick up suddenly.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Oscar stopped the horses and waved to Carl, who caught up his hat and ran through the melon patch to join them.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To entangle (something).
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To involve in (something); to embroil.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “catch up” mean?
To pick up suddenly.
Is “catch up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.