1. verb To draw something upward or into something through the use of suction. A noun or pronoun can be used between "suck" and "up." A vacuum cleaner uses an air pump to expel air out from the rear, and it's this low internal air pressure that allows it to suck up dirt and small objects. Just suck the rest of the soda up through the straw.

2. verb By extension, to gather, collect, or draw in a great amount of people or things, especially very quickly, eagerly, or zealously. A noun or pronoun can be used between "suck" and "up." We'll need to suck up as many talented people as we can to get this project off to a good start. The giant company has been sucking up all our business ever since it opened last fall. She spends her nights in the library, sucking as much information up as she can.

3. verb, slang To habitually offer flattery in the hope of gaining favor; to behave sycophantically. Stop sucking up to try to get an A. Just study like everyone else.

4. noun, slang A person who habitually offers flattery in the hope of gaining favor; a sycophant. In this usage, the phrase is usually hyphenated or spelled as one word. Billy is always complimenting the teacher on her hair. What a suck-up.