To pick up Meaning, Definition & Usage

Definitions

1. . (a) To take up, as with the fingers . (b) To get by repeated efforts; to gather here and there; as, to pick up a livelihood; to pick up news. (c) to acquire (an infectious disease); as, to pick up a cold on the airplane. (d) To meet (a person) and induce to accompany one; as, to pick up a date at the mall. [See several other defs in MW10]

Definitions

1. to improve by degrees; as, he is picking up in health or business. Colloq. U.S. or, to increase gradually, as the car picked up speed rolling downhill