Pick up Meaning and Definition
Pick up
Pronunciation
/ˈpɪk ʌp/
Part of Speech
Noun or Verb
Definition
A thing or person taken or caught, especially in a casual or social manner. A player who takes the ball to run with it.
Examples
- Can you pick up the phone and call her?
- She picked up the book and began to read.
Synonyms
- Pick up the pace
- Catch on
Antonyms
- Drop
- Lose
Etymology
The word ‘Pick up’ originated in the mid-19th century as a phrase used in sports, especially cricket and rugby, to describe the act of catching or carrying the ball.
Usage Notes
As a verb, ‘Pick up’ is often used in informal settings, such as with friends or in casual conversations. As a noun, it can refer to a person or thing that is acquired or taken.
Cultural References
The phrase ‘Pick up the pace’ is often used in music and film to describe the need for increased speed or energy.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Pick up the ball and run with it
- Pick up where you left off
Related Words or Phrases
- Pick
- Up
- Catch
Collocations
- Pick up the phone
- Pick up the pace
- Pick up the habit
Frequency of Use
‘Pick up’ is a commonly used phrase in modern language, with a wide range of applications and meanings.
Common Misspellings
- Peeck up
- Pik up