: hopelessly ruined or defeated
especially : bankrupt
the business went belly-up

belly up

2 of 2

verb

bellied up; bellying up; bellies up

intransitive verb

: to move close or next to
bellied up to the bar

Examples of belly-up in a Sentence

Verb belly up to the buffet table and help yourselves
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.
Adjective
This is the sweaty world of NASCAR, where mechanics lie belly-up beneath racecars, their hands covered in grime. Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from the floating position of a dead fish

First Known Use

Adjective

1918, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of belly-up was in 1880

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belly-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belly-up. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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