pickup
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: pickups
Sense 1
An electronic device for detecting sound, vibration, etc., such as one fitted to an electric guitar or record player. — In a record player, an electromagnetic component that converts the needle vibrations into an electrical signal.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
An electronic device for detecting sound, vibration, etc., such as one fitted to an electric guitar or record player. — Electromagnetic coil receiver of metal string oscillations.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “pickup” mean?
An electronic device for detecting sound, vibration, etc., such as one fitted to an electric guitar or record player. — In a record player, an electromagnetic component that converts the needle vibrations into an electrical signal.
Is “pickup” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.