Phrase guide

rack up

verb · 10 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 arrange in a rack.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: ambitransitive

Topics: ball-games, billiards, games, hobbies, lifestyle, snooker, sports

Examples

  • At the start of the game, the referee racks up the red balls.
  • If you rack up, I'll break.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To gain (points etc.; in a game or sport), to accumulate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Chelsea racked up another 3 points at home to Bolton.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To acquire, to gather together.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • By the age of 18, he had already racked up thousands of dollars in debt.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To defeat severely, to thrash.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To collect one's chips and cash out.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: gambling, games

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

To attribute, chalk up.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

7

verb

Meaning 7

supply a rack with feed for (horses or other animals)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: fill, fill up

8

verb

Meaning 8

defeat thoroughly

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He mopped up the floor with his opponents

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: worst, pip, mop up, whip

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: beat, beat out, crush, shell, trounce, vanquish

9

verb

Meaning 9

gain points in a game

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The home team scored many times
  • He hit a home run
  • He hit .300 in the past season

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: score, hit, tally

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: gain, advance, win, pull ahead, make headway, get ahead, gain ground

Narrower terms: par, shoot, convert, homer, kick, eagle, hole up, ace, walk, equalize, equalise, get even, have, get, make

10

verb

Meaning 10

place in a rack

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • rack pool balls

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: put, set, place, pose, position, lay

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.