powered up; powering up; powers up
: to cause to operate
power up the computer
pow·er-up
ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˌəp 
variants
or less commonly powerup
or power up
plural power-ups also powerups or power ups
1
: an item in a video game that makes a player's character more effective by enhancing an attribute (such as speed, health, or strength) or conferring an ability
… a bunch of power-ups at your disposal to help overcome the odds, including the Super Bell—which gives you catlike powers and the ability to climb walls.—
Jon Bitner
Jon BitnerYou can use the direction keys on your keyboard to navigate Pac-Man through the maze, gobbling up spheres and power ups while avoiding ghosts.—Cassidy Ward
Cassidy WardAfter you collect enough gems and level up, you're able to select another weapon or powerup.—Kris Holt
Kris Holt2
: the act of beginning to operate or causing something to operate
Do not use the device if the device requires multiple power-ups prior to going to "ready state" (solid green light) …—Contify Life Science News
Contify Life Science News… on power up, the user will experience the most rapid start-up time ever …—Business Wire
Business WireExamples of power up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025
The close pass provided an opportunity for mission managers to power up and test three of Hera's science instruments for the first time.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
In 2023’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a return to the franchise’s side-scrolling roots, up to four players can hop into a level, sharing lives and power-ups in one of the series’ most fiercely imaginative entries.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for power up
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Two years ago, Bachman powered up BTO again, with a current lineup that includes his son Tal on guitar and his daughter-n-law, KoKo Bachman, on drums.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025
The close pass provided an opportunity for mission managers to power up and test three of Hera's science instruments for the first time.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
Arc Games Treacherous terrain is a big part of the strategy, whether using it for power-ups or kiting enemies into bad spots.
—Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
In 2023’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a return to the franchise’s side-scrolling roots, up to four players can hop into a level, sharing lives and power-ups in one of the series’ most fiercely imaginative entries.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for power up
Cite this Entry
“Power up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20up. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share