A1 noun Neutral #3,560 most common

pick up

/ˈpɪkʌp/

A pick up is the act of collecting someone or something from a specific place. It can also refer to a small truck with an open back for carrying goods or a sudden improvement in a situation.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My dad drives a large white pick up for his work.

My father uses a big white truck with an open back for his job.

2

The official pick up time for the documents is scheduled for noon.

The formal time to collect the papers is set for 12:00 PM.

3

Do you need a pick up from the airport later?

Do you want me to come and get you from the airport later?

Word Family

Noun
pickup
Verb
pick up
Adjective
pick-up
Related
picker
💡

Memory Tip

Visualize a truck 'picking up' boxes in its open back. That truck is a pickup.

Quick Quiz

I am waiting at the airport ________ area for my friend to arrive.

Correct!

The correct answer is: pickup

Examples

1

My dad drives a large white pick up for his work.

everyday

My father uses a big white truck with an open back for his job.

2

The official pick up time for the documents is scheduled for noon.

formal

The formal time to collect the papers is set for 12:00 PM.

3

Do you need a pick up from the airport later?

informal

Do you want me to come and get you from the airport later?

4

There has been a notable pick up in the local economic data this month.

academic

There has been a clear improvement in the local money situation this month.

5

Please confirm the pick up location for the heavy machinery.

business

Please tell us the exact place to collect the large machines.

Word Family

Noun
pickup
Verb
pick up
Adjective
pick-up
Related
picker

Common Collocations

pick up truck a vehicle with an open back
scheduled pick up a planned time for collection
free pick up collecting something without cost
curbside pick up collecting items from the side of the road
pick up point the specific place to meet or collect

Common Phrases

a quick pick up

a fast collection or a small boost of energy

pick up service

a business that comes to get items

passenger pick up

the area where people are collected

Often Confused With

pick up vs pick up (verb)

The noun is often written as one word (pickup) or with a hyphen, while the verb is always two words.

📝

Usage Notes

When used as a noun, it usually refers to the vehicle or the act of gathering. It is often spelled 'pickup' in American English.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often write 'pick up' as two words when they mean the noun; use 'pickup' or 'pick-up' for the object or event.

💡

Memory Tip

Visualize a truck 'picking up' boxes in its open back. That truck is a pickup.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the phrasal verb 'to pick up,' which has been used since the 14th century to mean lifting or gathering.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural form: pickups or pick-ups Can be used as a compound noun
🌍

Cultural Context

Pick up trucks are culturally significant in rural North America as symbols of hard work and utility.

Quick Quiz

I am waiting at the airport ________ area for my friend to arrive.

Correct!

The correct answer is: pickup

Related Phrases

More Actions words

climb

A1

To move upward toward the top of something, often by using your hands and feet. It can also describe a path going up or a value increasing in number.

exit

A1

An exit is a door or passage used to leave a building, vehicle, or area. It can also refer to the act of going out or departing from a place.

lift

A1

To move something or someone from a lower position to a higher one. It often requires physical effort or the use of a machine to pick an object up.

push

A1

To use your hands or body to move something away from you by applying force. It can also describe the act of encouraging someone to work harder or achieve a goal.

touch

A1

To put your hand or another part of your body on something or someone. It is the act of making physical contact with an object to feel its texture or presence.

grab

A1

To take hold of something or someone suddenly, quickly, or roughly with your hand. It is often used when you are in a hurry or need to catch something before it falls.

drop

A1

A small, round shape of liquid that falls from a surface. It can also mean a reduction or a fall in the amount or level of something.

describe

A1

To say or write what someone or something is like. It is used to give details about how things look, feel, sound, or happen so that others can imagine them.

shout

A1

A loud cry or call made by a person using their voice. It is often used to express a strong emotion or to get the attention of someone who is far away.

whisper

A1

A whisper is a very quiet way of speaking that uses breath instead of the vocal cords. It is used when someone wants to share a secret or avoid being heard by others in a room.

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