Wrap-up vs. Wrap Up
“Wrap-up” is a hyphenated noun for a summary or concluding part. “Wrap up” is the two-word verb used for summarizing, finishing, or bringing something to a conclusion.
Use “wrap-up” for the noun and “wrap up” for the verb.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| noun: a summary or concluding part | wrap-up | Use the hyphenated noun. |
| verb: summarize, finish, or bring to a conclusion | wrap up | Use the two-word phrasal verb. |
| sentence can be tested by word class | name vs action | Choose by whether the expression names the conclusion or performs the action. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Is the expression naming a summary/concluding section rather than acting as a verb?
If yes: Noun → “wrap-up.”
If no: Verb → “wrap up.”
Caveat: The distinction is grammatical/orthographic: the documented noun is hyphenated, while the phrasal verb is two words.
Examples
The meeting ended with a short wrap-up.
“Wrap-up” is the noun naming the concluding summary.
Let’s wrap up the meeting.
“Wrap up” is the two-word verb meaning finish.
Her wrap-up covered the three main decisions.
The hyphenated form functions as a noun.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the noun or modifier form documented by the dictionaries when naming a thing, event, result, or concept; use the spaced form when the words function as a verb.
Fast Test
If the expression can take ordinary verb tense or inflection in the sentence, the spaced phrasal-verb form is usually the relevant form.
Variant Boundary
Merriam-Webster distinguishes the hyphenated noun “wrap-up” from the two-word verb “wrap up.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- WRAP-UP Definition & Meaning (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Hyphenated noun “wrap-up” and two-word verb “wrap up”