noun
pickup
An increase in activity or speed.
The store sees a pickup in business as the holidays approach.
Etymology
Pick up can mean gather speed or improve. The noun names that upward turn in the rate or level of activity.
More examples
- This little car has surprisingly good pickup on the highway.
- A pickup in construction creates more jobs in town.
- Seasonal pickups in demand keep the factory busy.
Forms
pickup · pickups
Similar words
- increase
- Covers growth in amount or size, not just activity.
- improvement
- Emphasizes better conditions or quality rather than greater speed.
- acceleration
- Specifically emphasizes gaining speed or a faster rate of change.