hoover up

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To suck (something) into a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand.

Register: informal

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Don't worry about the mess on the carpet – I'll hoover it up later.

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 do the vacuuming.

Register: informal

Sources & notes

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

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To avidly absorb or consume (something), as if by a vacuum cleaner.

Register: informal

Sources & notes

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

Common questions

What does “hoover up” mean?

To suck (something) into a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand.

Is “hoover up” formal or informal?

hoover up is generally informal.