Phrase guide

strike up

verb · 5 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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  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To start something with somebody else, such as a conversation or relationship.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • To make him feel welcome, she struck up a conversation with the newly arrived guest.
  • He struck up a friendship with Redford that was to last for many years.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To start something, usually playing live music.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: ergative, idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • The band struck up and everyone started to dance.
  • The bride entered the church just as the "Wedding March" struck up.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To raise (as sheet metal), in making dishes, pans, etc., by blows or pressure in a die.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

begin

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • strike up a conversation
  • strike up a friendship

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: initiate, pioneer

5

verb

Meaning 5

start playing

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The musicians struck up a tune

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: sound off

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: play

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: stifte [venskab] — to start something, e.g. a relationship
  • French: entamer — to start something, e.g. a relationship
  • German: schließen [Freundschaft] — to start something, e.g. a relationship
  • Italian: incominciare — to start something, e.g. a relationship
  • Italian: far partire — to start something, e.g. a relationship
  • Spanish: entablar — to start something, e.g. a relationship
  • Spanish: crear — to start something, e.g. a relationship