one-up

1 of 2

verb

ˌwən-ˈəp How to pronounce one-up (audio)
ˈwən-
one-upped; one-upping; one-ups

transitive verb

: to practice one-upmanship on

one up

2 of 2

adjective

: being in a position of advantage
usually used with on

Examples of one-up in a Sentence

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.
Verb
Burger King and McDonald’s have been sparring for decades, each trying to one-up the other with cheeky ads and sly digs. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 On the very first play of the fourth quarter, Tamale one-upped himself to the tune of a 73-yard rushing touchdown, his third score of the night — 33-22, McClymonds. Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024 This is just the latest chapter in a feud that has been going on for about eighteen months, and that has seen the two throw some very obvious shots at each other, including many photos and videos trying to one-up the other. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 5 Dec. 2024 That makes this a tremendous coup for GM, particularly since it one-ups American rival Ford in its presence on the F1 grid. Jeff Gluck, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for one-up 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from one-upmanship

First Known Use

Verb

1963, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-up was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near one-up

Cite this Entry

“One-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-up. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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