Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of taking aboard passengers or freight: The action of collecting or loading people or goods.
   • The act or process of collecting items: The scheduled collection of items from various locations.
   • An electro-acoustic transducer in a record player: The removable component on a tonearm that holds the stylus (needle) and converts groove vibrations into electrical signals.
   • A mechanical device on a record player: A light, balanced arm that carries the cartridge.
   • The capability of rapid acceleration: A vehicle's potential for quick increase in speed.
   • A casual acquaintance, often with romantic or sexual intent: A person one meets casually, typically with the hope of starting a relationship.
   • Something with restorative powers: An item or substance that provides a boost of energy or spirits.
   • A warrant for arrest: An official authorization to take someone into custody.
   • A light truck: A small truck with an open cargo area, low sides, and a tailgate.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The taxi's next pickup is at the hotel. (The act of taking aboard a passenger.)
  • Garbage pickup is on Mondays and Thursdays. (The scheduled collection.)
  • He upgraded the pickup on his turntable for better sound. (The transducer on a record player.)
  • This sports car has excellent pickup. (The capability for rapid acceleration.)
  • He was just a pickup from the bar last night. (A casual acquaintance.)
  • I need a little pickup after that long meeting. (Something restorative.)
  • The officer had a pickup for the suspect. (A warrant for arrest.)
  • We loaded the furniture into the pickup. (A light truck.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pickup game": A spontaneous, informal sports game organized with whoever is available.
  • We got together for a pickup game of basketball at the park.
• "Pickup line": A prepared remark used to initiate a conversation with a stranger, typically with romantic intent.
  • He tried a cheesy pickup line, but it didn't work.
• "Pickup artist": A person, typically a man, who is skilled or claims to be skilled at starting romantic or sexual relationships with strangers.
  • He read a book written by a famous pickup artist.

Variants and Related Words

• Pick up (phrasal verb): To lift, collect, or improve. (Note: This is a phrasal verb, distinct from the noun "pickup".)
  • Please pick up your clothes from the floor.
• Pickup truck (compound noun): The full term for the light truck.
  • He drives a red pickup truck.

Synonyms

• Collection (for the act of collecting).
• Acceleration (for the capability).
• Boost, tonic (for something restorative).
• Warrant (for the arrest authorization).
• Truck, lorry (UK) (for the vehicle).

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Pick up" is a phrasal verb. The noun "pickup" is related but distinct.) - Pick up on: To notice or understand something. - Did you pick up on her subtle hint? - Pick up after: To tidy things someone else has left untidy. - I'm tired of picking up after my roommate.

Related Idioms

• "Pick up the pieces": To try to return to a normal state after a difficult or damaging event.
  • After the company failed, they had to pick up the pieces and start over.
• "Pick up steam": To gain momentum or increase in activity.
  • The project really started to pick up steam in its second year.

Noun

1. the act of taking aboard passengers or freight
2. the act or process of picking up or collecting from various places
   • garbage pickup is on Mondays and Thursdays
3. an electro-acoustic transducer that is the part of the arm of a record player that holds the needle and that is removable
4. mechanical device consisting of a light balanced arm that carries the cartridge
5. the attribute of being capable of rapid acceleration
   • his car has a lot of pickup
6. a casual acquaintance; often made in hope of sexual relationships
7. anything with restorative powers
   • she needed the pickup that coffee always gave her
8. a warrant to take someone into custody
   • put out a pickup on that man
9. a light truck with an open body and low sides and a tailboard