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 “Heated Rivalry” is a fairy tale for fulfilling relationships in an era of hookup culture, as some sex therapists have claimed, then Hollander is the princess that queer women can relate to.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026

It takes five to 10 years to get a grid hookup.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

A new Starlink satellite hookup assures communication with the outside world.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2025

She appeared via video hookup wearing a dark protective vest.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2023

I have a pretty good auditory-nerve hookup with my feed, so the sound is real spink, and it’s good to move to.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• connection
• interconnection
• linkage