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| pick up |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb lift something: to take hold of and raise or remove something or somebody
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2. transitive verb gather dropped things: to gather up things that have been dropped or have fallen to the ground
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3. transitive verb clean place: to clean something, usually by gathering up things that have been carelessly left where they do not belong
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4. pick your·self up vr regain upright or stronger position: to stand up after falling down, or recover strength, courage, or a sense of purpose after a setback
  She picked herself up off the floor and staggered over to the phone.
They're still picking themselves up after narrowly avoiding bankruptcy.
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5. transitive and intransitive verb take on passengers: to stop a vehicle and let a passenger or passengers in
picked up a hitchhiker
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6. transitive verb claim something: to claim something such as an item left for repair or merchandise ordered from a store
pick up a library book
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7. transitive verb pay for something: to take on the responsibility for paying something, especially a bill
pick up the tab
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8. transitive verb acquire something cheaply or easily: to get or buy something cheaply or easily
a book I picked up for a few dollars
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9. transitive verb acquire something casually: to acquire something casually, often without meaning to and without knowing it
has picked up some bad habits
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10. transitive verb U.S. gain points: to gain or win something such as an award, or points or yards
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11. transitive verb catch disease: to become infected with a disease
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12. transitive verb receive signal: to receive something such as a radio or television signal or a radar image on a piece of equipment
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13. transitive verb notice something: to notice something or become aware of it
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14. transitive verb find something: to find and follow something, especially a scent or trail
pick up the scent
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15. transitive verb understand something: to understand something that is communicated indirectly
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16. transitive verb learn something: to learn something in a casual or unsystematic way, e.g. by frequently hearing it, seeing it done, or trying to do it
picked up a lot of Spanish on his trip
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17. transitive and intransitive verb accelerate: to increase, or cause something to increase, in strength, speed, or intensity
picking up speed
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18. transitive and intransitive verb return to something again: to continue, or continue something, at a later time, usually after an interruption or break
We can pick up our discussion after the break.
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19. transitive verb find sexual partner: to make the acquaintance of a stranger, often in a public place, usually for sexual purposes
(
informal
)
picked him up in a bar
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20. transitive verb
(
informal
)
Same as arrest
He was picked up on a burglary charge.
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21. intransitive verb become better: to improve after being ill, injured, bad, or unsuccessful
(
informal
)
Sales picked up this quarter.
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22. intransitive verb U.S. pack belongings: to pack up belongings and leave without telling anyone why
(
informal
)
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