wake up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To stop sleeping; to awake.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I made a speaking trumpet of my hands and commenced to whoop “Ahoy!” and “Hello!” at the top of my lungs. […] The Colonel woke up, and, after asking what in brimstone was the matter, opened his mouth and roared “Hi!” and “Hello!” like the bull of Bashan.
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 awaken somebody.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To become more aware of a real-life situation; to concentrate on the matter in hand.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “wake up” mean?
To stop sleeping; to awake.
Is “wake up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.