picking up

Verb

pick up (third-person singular simple present picks up, present participle picking up, simple past and past participle picked up)

1. (transitive) To lift; to grasp and raise.
   • When you pick up the bag, make sure to support the bottom.

   Antonyms:

   put down

2. (transitive) To collect or purchase an object, especially in passing.
   • Can you pick up a pint of milk on your way home?

   Antonyms:

   drop off

3. (transitive) To acquire (something) accidentally; to catch or contract (a disease).
   • I picked up a cold on my trip last week.
   1. (transitive) To be caught or accused of wrongdoing, usually criminal charges.
      • He picked up a parole violation last month.
4. (intransitive, transitive) To clean up; to return to an organized state.
   • You made a mess, aren't you going to pick up after yourself?

   Antonyms:

   mess up

5. (transitive) To collect a passenger.
   • I'll pick you up outside the library.

   Antonyms:

   drop off

See all 25 meanings of pick up