noun
pickup
PIK-up/ˈpɪkʌp/
A small truck with an open rear cargo bed.
The compact pickup has an open cargo bed behind its cab.
Etymology
Pick up originally meant lifting and taking something. The truck name probably evokes collecting loads such as feed or lumber and delivering them where wanted; pickup is shortened from pickup truck.
In context
This is the Slate truck, and it's a small Americanmade inexpensive electric pickup.
More examples
- Two pickups are parked beside the barn.
- We rent a pickup to bring the new dresser home.
- He lowers the pickup's tailgate before loading the lumber.
Forms
pickup · pickups
Similar words
- truck
- Truck is broader and includes larger vehicles with enclosed cargo areas.
- pickup truck
- Pickup truck is the fuller name for the same vehicle.