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
The collectibles rose to a whole new level this year with the eye-catching merchandise for fans to chow down with during blockbusters like Dune: Part Two and Deadpool & Wolverine going viral and one-upping each other. Tommy McArdle, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, Stan Edgar stands up to Homelander in a rare verbal drubbing that shows the only way to one-up the psychotic Supe is through words. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024 But after the 2021 show blew up and caught the attention of audiences worldwide, Netflix and the show’s creator have been working to one-up their initial offering, in hopes of expanding the legacy the series has created. Chad De Guzman, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024 Various memes and posts spread at such a rate, that dunking on how Game Of Thrones concluded became a game in itself, with posters trying to desperately one-up each other: This has had a lasting impact on the show, with some fans believing that the final season ruined it. Callum Booth, Forbes, 16 Dec. 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 2 Jan. 2025.

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