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• write-up
  write-up

  noun

  a written description or account, as in a newspaper or magazine.
• write up
  write up

  verb

  to describe fully, complete, or bring up to date in writing

write-up

American  

[rahyt-uhp] / ˈraɪtˌʌp /

noun

write-ups plural

1. a written description or account, as in a newspaper or magazine.

   The play got a terrible write-up.

2. Accounting. an increase in the book value of a corporation that is not warranted by the true assets of the corporation.

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write up British  

verb

1. to describe fully, complete, or bring up to date in writing

   write up a diary

2. to praise or bring to public notice in writing

3. accounting

   1. to place an excessively high value on (an asset)

   2. to increase the book value of (an asset) in order to reflect more accurately its current worth in the market

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noun

1. a published account of something, such as a review in a newspaper or magazine

2. accounting

   1. an excessive or illegally high valuation of corporate assets

   2. a raising of the book value of an asset

write up Idioms  

1. Write a report or description, as for publication, as in She's been writing up these local concerts for years . [Early 1400s]

2. Overvalue an asset, as in That accountant is always writing up our equipment, forgetting depreciation .

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• write-ups
  plural

Etymology

Origin of write-up

1880–85, noun use of verb phrase write up

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

write-up write up write-ups

"His kindness and generosity touched countless lives, and everyone who knew him remembers his gentle spirit and willingness to help others," the write-up said.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

In an email to ProPublica and Drilled, Socolow wrote that the document was not a first draft of “Wedges,” but, he added, it was the first substantial write-up of his ideas.

From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2026

“A write-up could be given to you based on the fact that your cellmate was involved in certain activities,” said Warren.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 6, 2025

When a promotion is at stake, a professor is often inclined to soften his marks for fear of a bad write-up.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 23, 2025

So not only was it written up ahead of time, but it got a big write-up afterwards.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Mom and Dad are also available to write up a pleasing ending if the Knights pull off the upset.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026

“At the same time, everything was geared toward TV coverage and getting the Hill to write up stuff from NewsNation—even if it wasn’t relevant news.”

From Slate ● Apr. 21, 2026

They skipped class Friday to write up the story and edit their photos.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2024

“She had to write up the description story of why she wanted the sewing machine, what it meant to her, and submit it. So even in that process, she was very involved in it.”

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 26, 2024

I was certain that it was indeed okay for Mr. Caton to write up his order.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

She does the write-ups on Google Docs, and includes what she paid for items.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 8, 2026

Each recipe is accompanied by beautiful food photography — which highlights Granof’s craft — personal anecdotes and in-depth write-ups.

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2024

The company chose to post that review instead of more positive write-ups, like the Evening Standard's, which awarded four stars and said the show proved "the formula can indeed translate across the pond".

From BBC ● May 22, 2024

This apparent shift from so many years of wisdom and results from other studies of course made for zesty write-ups in the New York Post and Daily Mail.

From Slate ● Dec. 22, 2023

Enough write-ups sent to the NBA, and who knew what might happen?

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers