Phrase guide

hoover up

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To suck (something) into a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, transitive

Examples

  • Don't worry about the mess on the carpet – I'll hoover it up later.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: vacuum up

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To do the vacuuming.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, intransitive

Examples

  • I'll hoover up after I've finished washing the dishes.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hoover, vacuum up

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To avidly absorb or consume (something), as if by a vacuum cleaner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, informal, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To avidly absorb or consume (something), as if by a vacuum cleaner.

To consume (food or drink) quickly, especially by taking it into the mouth directly from the plate rather than using cutlery.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, informal, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bolt, scarf down, wolf down

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

See hoover.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: odkurzać — to suck something into a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand
  • Polish: odkurzyć — to suck something into a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand
  • Polish: odkurzać — to do the vacuuming
  • Polish: odkurzyć — to do the vacuuming
  • Polish: poodkurzać — to do the vacuuming
  • Polish: pałaszować — to avidly absorb or consume something, as if by a vacuum cleaner
  • Polish: spałaszować — to avidly absorb or consume something, as if by a vacuum cleaner
  • Polish: wtrząchać — to avidly absorb or consume something, as if by a vacuum cleaner
  • Polish: wtrząchnąć — to avidly absorb or consume something, as if by a vacuum cleaner
  • Polish: pożerać — to avidly absorb or consume something, as if by a vacuum cleaner
  • Polish: pożreć — to avidly absorb or consume something, as if by a vacuum cleaner