hookup

American  

[hook-uhp] / ˈhʊkˌʌp /

noun

1. an act or instance of hooking up.

2. an assembly and connection of parts, components, or apparatus into a circuit, network, machine, or system.

3. the circuit, network, machine, or system so formed.

4. a device or connection, as a plug, hose, or pipe, for conveying electricity, a water supply, etc., from a source to a user.

   Some campsites have electrical hookups for trailers.

5. Informal. an association, alliance, or cooperative effort.

   A closer hookup of Caribbean nations would be good for international trade.

6. Informal.

   1. a sexual encounter without a long-term commitment.

      I’m over these college boys who are only interested in meaningless hookups.

   2. a person with whom one has such an encounter.

      I ran into an old hookup at the club, but I pretended not to remember her.

7. Slang.

   1. a supplier of illicit goods, usually drugs.

      My hookup is getting out of the game—can you introduce me to your guy?

   2. access to illegal drugs.

      When you are trying to score on the street it is easy to see who has the hookup.

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Etymology

Origin of hookup

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; noun use of verb phrase hook up

Example Sentences

If you haven't already, check out our culture team's recommendations for nine comedies that are essentially comfort food for your eyes, ranging from "The Hookup Plan" to "Harley Quinn" to "Ted Lasso."

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2020

Lisa Wade is associate professor of sociology at Occidental College and the author of American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus.

From Time • Jan. 6, 2017

“We’re all Ph.D.’s in Internet stalking these days,” said Andrea Lavinthal, an author of the 2005 book “The Hookup Handbook.”

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2013

Related Words

• connection
• interconnection
• linkage