bunch up

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

bunch /bʌntʃ/   n. 

[countable]
1. a cluster held together:
   a bunch of grapes.
2. [singular* a + ~ + of] a group of people or things:
   a bunch of papers.
3. a large quantity;
   lots:
   [singular* a + ~ (+ of)] Thanks a bunch.
   [a + ~ + of + uncountable noun]
   That's a bunch of garbage.
   [a + ~ + of + plural noun]
   a bunch of students.

v. 

4. to group together:
   [~ + object] all bunched together in the crowded elevator.
5. Clothing bunch up:
   • [no object] to stay in a group:
     The sheriff told his men not to bunch up but to spread out.
   • (of fabric or clothing) to gather into folds: [~ + up + object]
     My clothes were all bunched up after being in suitcases for so long.
     [no object]
     Your clothes will bunch up if you keep them in the suitcase.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

bunch  (bunch), n. 

1. a connected group;
   cluster:
   a bunch of grapes.
2. a group of things:
   a bunch of papers.
3. Informal Terms a group of people:
   They're a fine bunch of students.
4. a knob;
   lump;
   protuberance.

v.t. 

5. to group together;
   make a bunch of.

v.i. 

6. to gather into a cluster;
   gather together.
7. Clothing (of fabric or clothing) to gather into folds (often fol. by up).

• 1275–1325; Middle English bunche; of uncertain origin, originally

Synonyms

• 1, 2. lot, batch. See bundle.