upbeat

1 of 2

noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt How to pronounce upbeat (audio)
1
: an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure
specifically : the last beat of the measure
2
: an increase in activity or prosperity
business that is on the upbeat

upbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: cheerful, optimistic
I'm feeling upbeat today

Examples of upbeat in a Sentence

Adjective I like a story with an upbeat ending. I tried to stay upbeat about losing the election.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Duchin’s bouncy upbeat belied their experience that love is rarely unadulterated joy. Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025 That track, which is now more than 20 years old, supplies the chorus of the new upbeat, dance-pop tune, and it’s worked well enough to entice a large audience to purchase the cut. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on Sunday, providing a fiery, upbeat set during the blowout win for the Philadelphia Eagles over the Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2025 Hyping up excitement for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler, Jelly Roll and Prince Harry hilariously collaborated in an upbeat video released in November 2024. Janine Henni, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for upbeat 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upbeat was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near upbeat

Cite this Entry

“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

upbeat

1 of 2 noun
up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt How to pronounce upbeat (audio)
: an unaccented beat in a musical measure
especially : the last beat of the measure

upbeat

2 of 2 adjective
: optimistic, cheerful
an upbeat story

More from Merriam-Webster on upbeat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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