# jazz up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jazz-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to make something more exciting, interesting, or attractive.

For teachers: to enhance the aesthetic appeal or excitement of something, typically through ornamentation or stylistic modification.

## Examples

- You can jazz up this plain dress with a colorful scarf.
- The chef decided to jazz up the traditional recipe by adding some exotic spices and fresh herbs.
- The marketing team attempted to jazz up the annual report with vibrant infographics to distract from the disappointing fiscal results.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He jazzed up to the party." but "He jazzed up the party." — this phrasal verb requires an object that is being improved; it is not a synonym for 'arriving' or 'dressing up'.

## Usage notes

- often used with inanimate objects like clothes, rooms, or pieces of writing.
- Teaching tip: the term originates from the lively nature of jazz music; it is a great way to introduce how musical genres can become verbs in English.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.