top up

British  

verb

1. to raise the level of (a liquid, powder, etc) in (a container), usually bringing it to the brim of the container

   top up the sugar in those bowls

2. 1. to increase the benefits from (an insurance scheme), esp to increase a pension when a salary rise enables higher premiums to be paid

   2. to add money to (a loan, bank account, etc) in order to keep it at a constant or acceptable level

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noun

1. 1. an amount added to something in order to raise it to or maintain it at a desired level

   2. ( as modifier )

      a top-up loan

      a top-up policy

Example Sentences

With credit quality declining amid pressures created by the Iran conflict, the analysts assume Westpac will have to further top up its collective provisioning in the second half.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Given that your guaranteed income more than covers your expenses, it’s a good time to have a conversation with your husband about why he wants to top up your cash.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Mandy Willis from Shillingstone, Dorset, had been due to top up her tank but says she can no longer afford it.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Once he is adequately refuelled, Mahamed will sleep for an hour or two and then wake for more food at about 4am, before returning to bed to top up on sleep.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

He shrugged as he parked next to a glossy red convertible with the top up.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer