Definition of Strike up

1. Verb. Start playing. "The musicians struck up a tune"

Exact synonyms: Sound Off
Category relationships: Music, Music, Music
Generic synonyms: Play

2. Verb. Begin. "Strike up a friendship"
Generic synonyms: Initiate, Pioneer

Definition of Strike up

1. Verb. (transitive idiomatic)To start something with somebody else. Usually a conversation or relationship. ¹

2. Verb. (intransitive idiomatic)To start something, usually playing live music. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Strike Up

strike home
strike it lucky
strike leader
strike lucky
strike me pink
strike off
strike out
strike partner
strike partners
strike pay
strike plate
strike rate
strike rates
strike sheet
strike through
strike up (current term)
strike while the iron is hot
strike zone
strike zones
strikebound
strikebreaker
strikebreakers
strikebreaking
strikebreakings
striked
strikee
strikees
strikeforce
strikeless
strikelike

Literary usage of Strike up

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1822)
"... the Chief, and his Tail, • •• I Let the pipers strike up till they make the root ring, . i Huzza—four times four—" Here's the Kirk and the King ..."

2. Among the Isles of Shoals by Celia Thaxter (1873)
"... between his one upper garment — a checked shirt — and his bare skin, and then, by way of expressing his gratitude, would strike up a dolorous quaver of— ..."

3. The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides (1855)
"... that would the Athenians strike up a bargain with them, they might jointly lord it over Greece for the future, ..."

4. An Apology for the Life of James Fennell. by James Fennell (1814)
"cellent quintette " Hark the merry Christ's Church Bells," and await their ringing; then strike up at once; from its being a local song, every student who ..."

5. Songs for the Sanctuary: Or, Hymns and Tunes for Christian Worship by Charles S. Robinson (1874)
"Let us a - wake our joys, strike up with cheerful voice, Each creature eing—An-gele be- Mall, ft : ft KINGSBURY. LET us awake our joys, strike up with ..."

6. Isaiah: With Notes, Critical, Explanatory and Practical by Henry Cowles (1869)
"Those who labor to strike up such false lights are only kindling the fires that must consume their guilty souls forever! God would remind them that he is ..."

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