# pick up

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To lift; to grasp and raise.
2. To collect an object, especially in passing.
3. To acquire (something) accidentally; to catch or contract (a disease).
4. To clean up; to return to an organized state.
5. To collect a passenger.
6. To collect and detain (a suspect).
7. To obtain and publish a story, news item, etc.
8. To improve, increase, or speed up.
9. To restart or resume.
10. To reach and continue along (a road).
11. To learn, to grasp; to begin to understand; to realize.
12. To receive (a radio signal or the like).
13. To notice, detect or discern; to pick up on.
14. To point out the behaviour, habits, or actions of (a person) in a critical manner; used with on.
15. To meet and seduce somebody for romantic purposes, especially in a social situation.
16. To answer a telephone.
17. To receive calls; to function correctly.
18. To pay for.
19. To reduce the despondency of.
20. To take control (physically) of something.
21. To mark, to defend against an opposition player by following them closely.
22. To record; to notch up.
23. To behave in a manner that results in a foul.
24. To promote somebody who was previously passed over.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pick-up