1. To begin a conversation or relationship:
* Example: "We struck up a conversation about the weather while waiting in line."
2. To start playing a piece of music:
* Example: "The band struck up a lively tune for the dancing."
3. To start something suddenly, usually in a positive way:
* Example: "She struck up a friendship with her neighbor."
4. To raise something, like a flag or a sail:
* Example: "The pirates struck up their Jolly Roger."
The specific meaning of "struck up" will be determined by the context of the sentence.