upside down

adverb

up·​side down ˈəp-ˌsīd-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce upside down (audio)
Synonyms of upside downnext
1
: in such a way that the upper and the lower parts are reversed in position
2
: in or into great disorder
turned their world upside down
upside-down
ˈəp-ˌsīd-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce upside down (audio)
adjective

Examples of upside down in a Sentence

You hung the picture upside down! To remove the plant, turn the pot upside down and tap gently on the bottom to loosen it. The baby was holding the book upside down.
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.
Lift your hips toward the ceiling, forming an upside down V shape with your body. — Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 29 July 2026 The price list is upside down The deepest flaw gets the least airtime. — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The Hanged Man in the Rider-Waite deck is depicted as a figure hanging upside down, representing someone who feels stuck and unsure of themselves, which is what the imagery of her words articulates. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Lying upside down might also help with regulating their temperature, cooling it off thanks to the fresh air hitting their fins. — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for upside down

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English up so doun, from up + so + doun down

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upside down was in the 15th century

Rhymes for upside down

See All Rhymes for upside down

Browse Nearby Words

upside
upside down
upside-down cake
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upside down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upside%20down. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

upside down

adverb
up·​side down ˌəp-ˌsīd-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce upside down (audio)
1
: with the upper part underneath and the lower part on top
2
: in or into great disorder
upside-down adjective

Legal Definition

upside down

adjective
: underwater
upside down mortgages
upside down homes
upside down homeowners

More from Merriam-Webster on upside down

Nglish: Translation of upside down for Spanish Speakers

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