picking up is not in our dictionary (yet). Here's what it could mean:
Confidence: high
Results generated using artificial intelligence.
phrasal verb
- To lift or take something from a surface; to collect a person or thing, often by vehicle.
- To acquire a skill or piece of information informally; to improve, increase, or gain momentum.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I didn’t realize that optimizing my travel points meant picking up a new hobby: constantly comparing prices on travel portals, which is where you redeem your credit-card points for plane tickets, hotels and experiences.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
"We've stocked up on some instant noodles and bread and stuff like that. Once the wind and rain really start picking up, we’ll have to close the shop."
From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026
Thesaurus
Possible Synonyms
Words in our thesaurus
other words
- getting the hang of it
- catching on
- on the upswing
Possible Antonyms
Words in our thesaurus
other words
- going downhill
- leaving behind
- setting down
