hookup

[hook-uhp]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hookup¹

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

Example Sentences

He then began offering the lots, which have water, power and sewer hookups as well as space to park a car and create a small yard, to prospective tenants.

From Los Angeles Times

Arbor portrays its solution as a flexible, carbon-negative and clean device: It can operate anywhere with a hookup for carbon sequestration.

From Los Angeles Times

My first year as an MBA student was a gold mine of entertainment as I regaled Clark with tales of the hookups between classmates.

From Los Angeles Times

A few months ago, she did the same hookup with inmate/students at the California Institute for Women in Chino.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the emphasis is less on any ultimate hookup than on how the distinct pressures of the ivory tower can torment and even destroy its inhabitants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• connection 
• interconnection 
• linkage