level up

verb

leveled up or levelled up; leveling up or levelling up; levels up

transitive + intransitive

: to advance or improve (oneself, someone else, or something) in or as if in a game
Collect cards and magic potions, then level up your favourite dragons to increase their abilities.—Animation Xpress
Staying competitive comes down to many factors, but one that's often overlooked, in my opinion, is the ongoing need to level up your marketing team.—Sujan Patel
That [Kevin] Reilly has leveled up the brands of both networks is clear in their programming selections.—Broadcasting and Cable
We provide nurses with the tools they need to level up their careers and their profession …—News & Record (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Leveling up and finding new weapons, armor, or items give you plenty of incentive to keep slashing and button mashing away.—Dan Hsu
Companies coax helpers to participate by offering points for useful answers, connecting total points to specific achievement levels, and encouraging users to level up, for even greater prestige.—Paul McFedries

Examples of level up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Upgraded Espresso Accessories A beautiful addition for an espresso-head who wants to level up their brewing. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 The next level up are traditional x86 gaming systems and mobile workstations. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026 After menopause, fat tissue becomes the main source of estrogen, so carrying more body fat can push estrogen levels up and raise risk. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 Get competitive Nothing levels up an activity like a friendly wager. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for level up

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of level up was in 2003

Cite this Entry

“Level up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/level%20up. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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