look up

British  

verb

1. (tr) to discover (something required to be known) by resorting to a work of reference, such as a dictionary

2. (intr) to increase, as in quality or value

   things are looking up

3. to have respect (for)

   I've always wanted a girlfriend I could look up to

4. (tr) to visit or make contact with (a person)

   I'll look you up when I'm in town

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look up Idioms  

1. Search for in a book or other source, as in I told her to look up the word in the dictionary . [Late 1600s]

2. Call on or visit, as in I'm going to look up my friend in Chicago . [Mid-1800s]

3. Become better, improve, as in Business is finally looking up . [c. 1800]

4. look up to . Admire, respect, as in The students really looked up to Mr. Jones . [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

I had to look up Saltburn on a map.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

“And also inspiring to kids who can look up and see heroes that look like them from this community.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

And then look up four hours later and realize your kitchen doesn’t actually feel any cleaner.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

Buyers should look up common problems for specific models and be prepared for the added cost of potential repairs.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

I look up to see a group of girls waiting for her.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler