pickup

Alternative formsEdit

• pick-up, pick up

NounEdit

pickup (plural pickups)

1. An electronic device for detecting sound, vibration, etc., such as one fitted to an electric guitar or record player.
2. (US, Canada) A pickup truck.
3. (attributive) Impromptu or ad hoc, especially of sports games.

   At lunch we had a game of pickup hockey.

4. An instance of approaching someone and engaging in romantic flirtation and courting with the intent to pursue romance, a date, or a sexual encounter. See also pick-up line, pick-up joint, pickup artist.

   Hey, thanks for the drink, but if this is a pickup, I'm not interested.

5. (video games) An item that can be picked up by the player, conferring some benefit or effect; a power-up.
6. (US, Canada) The act of a challenging party or candidate winning an electoral district held by an incumbent party or candidate. See also gain

   The returns from the election show Apple Party candidate Jane Doe has made a pickup in the district of City West defeating Orange Party Incumbent Joe Smith

7. The act of answering a telephone.
   • 2006, Georgina Spelvin, The Devil Made Me Do It, Little Red Hen Books (2008), ISBN 978-0-6151-9907-8, page 224:

     That's why the phone at the theater's on automatic pickup.