pipe up

Definitions

1. 1

   To speak up, especially in a robust, assertive manner

   To speak up, especially in a robust, assertive manner; to say something loudly and suddenly.

   • "You seem to have a lot to say," remarked Silver, spitting far into the air. "Pipe up and let me hear it, or lay to."
   • Once I asked a seventeen-year-old singer something that wasn't on the list, which caused her manager to pipe up: "That wasn't what we agreed on. She doesn't have to answer that."
   • As we rolled into our fourth week, I found myself piping up with some of my own stories.
2. 2

   To begin singing or playing musical notes on a pipe or similar wind instrument.

   • [T]he frogs in a neighboring marsh began to pipe up for the evening concert.
   • But presently the gray dawn stole over the world, the birds piped up, then the sun rose and poured light and comfort all around.
3. 3

   To begin to blow more vigorously.

   • Once, for ten minutes, the sun shone at midday, and ten minutes afterward a new gale was piping up.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      To call, awaken, or summon, as with a musical instrument.

The neighborhood

• antonympipe down