Definition

1. Verb:
   • To utter a shrill cry or to speak suddenly, especially in a high-pitched voice: "pipe up" means to start speaking or making a sound, often unexpectedly or with a voice that is higher than usual.
   • To begin to play or sing: In a musical context, "pipe up" can mean to start playing an instrument or singing, often joining in with others.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to speak):
  • A small voice piped up from the back of the classroom.
  • He finally piped up with his opinion during the meeting.
• Verb (to play/sing):
  • The flutist piped up with a cheerful melody.
  • Everyone was singing, and then she piped up with the harmony.

Advanced Usage

• "to pipe up with something": to say or contribute something, often an opinion or piece of information.
  • If you know the answer, don't be afraid to pipe up with it.
• Used to describe someone, especially a quiet person, starting to participate in a conversation or activity.
  • The shy student rarely spoke, but she piped up during the book discussion.

Variants and Related Words

• Pipe (verb): To play a wind instrument or to convey something by pipes.
  • The organist will pipe the music into the hall.
• Piping (noun/adjective): A system of pipes; a high-pitched sound.
  • We heard the piping of the birds at dawn.

Synonyms

• Speak up: To express one's opinion openly.
• Chime in: To join a conversation by saying something.
• Chirp: To say something in a lively, high-pitched way.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pipe down: (antonym) To become quiet or stop talking.
  • The teacher told the class to pipe down.

Related Idioms

• Pipe dream: An unrealistic hope or fantasy.
  • Becoming a movie star is just a pipe dream for most people. (Note: This idiom uses "pipe" but not the phrasal verb "pipe up". It is listed here as a common related expression.)

Verb

1. utter a shrill cry
2. begin to play or sing