throw up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “throw up” mean?
To vomit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To vomit; to expel the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
To produce or generate something quickly or casually; to bring to notice; to abandon or resign from a position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the primary sense of 'vomit', usage is identical. 'Chuck up' or 'be sick' are more common British synonyms. In extended meanings, both varieties use it similarly.
Connotations
The core meaning is universally informal and somewhat graphic. The extended meanings ('throw up a building', 'throw up a job') are neutral.
Frequency
The vomiting sense is high-frequency in informal contexts. Other senses are mid to low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “throw up” in a Sentence
[subject] throw up [object][subject] throw up[subject] throw [object] upVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “throw up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The child was poorly and threw up all night.
- The new evidence throws up serious doubts about the original theory.
American English
- The roller coaster made him throw up his lunch.
- The software update threw up a bunch of error messages.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'He decided to throw up his position after the merger.' (resign)
Academic
Rare; possibly 'The data throws up some interesting contradictions.'
Everyday
'The smell of the petrol made me want to throw up.'
Technical
Not used in technical medical language ('emesis' or 'vomit' are preferred).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “throw up”
- Using 'throw up' in formal medical writing.
- Incorrect word order: 'He threw his lunch up' is acceptable, but 'He threw up his lunch' is more common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and direct. In polite company, 'be sick' or 'feel unwell' might be preferred euphemisms.
Yes, but this is an older, less common usage, e.g., 'They threw up a temporary shelter.'
'Vomit' is the standard, neutral term. 'Throw up' is the common informal synonym. 'Puke' is even more informal and strong.
Yes. Both 'He threw up the food' and 'He threw the food up' are grammatically correct, though the first is more common.
To vomit.
Throw up is usually informal in register.
Throw up: in British English it is pronounced /θrəʊ ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /θroʊ ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw up one's hands (in despair)”
- “throw up the sponge (to give up)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person throwing something UP and out of their mouth.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CONTAINER / REJECTION IS UPWARD EXPULSION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses 'throw up' in its extended meaning?