Definition of lookup
Short definition: The phrase look up means trying to find information, such as a word, fact, or number, in a book or online, and it can also mean lifting your eyes to see something higher than where you are.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word lookup? The word lookup is very common in modern English, especially in learning, technology, and daily problem solving. People use it when they need to find information, check facts, or search for details in a dictionary, database, or online. Sometimes it works as a verb phrase, and sometimes it appears as a noun in technical or learning contexts. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels human, practical, and easy to understand.
Forms: look up, looks up, looked up, looking up, lookup
Related: search v., check v., reference n.
Syllable: look-up
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(Verb) To search for information in a book website or other source because you need to know something.
To look up means to find information by searching for it in a dictionary, on the internet, in a database, or in another reference source when you do not already know the answer.
When she did not understand the word, she decided to look it up in the dictionary before continuing to read.He quickly looked up the restaurant online to check its opening hours and customer reviews.If you are unsure about the rule, it is always better to look up the correct information instead of guessing.Synonyms: search for, check, find, research, look for, reference, verify, consult, seek information, investigate, read up on, check out
Antonyms: guess, assume, ignore, overlook, skip checking, make up, forget, avoid researching, neglect, misremember, invent, estimate -
(Verb) To visit or contact someone, often unexpectedly or after some time.
To look up someone can mean visiting them or contacting them, especially when you have not seen them in a long time and want to reconnect.
When he traveled back to his hometown, he decided to look up an old friend he had not seen for years.She promised to look him up the next time she visited the city.If you are ever in town, look me up and we can catch up properly.Synonyms: visit, contact, drop by, check in on, reconnect with, meet up with, reach out to, call on, see again, get in touch, find and visit, come by
Antonyms: avoid, ignore, stay away, lose contact, forget, cut off, disconnect, neglect, pass by, miss, leave alone, keep distance -
(Noun) The act of searching for information or the result of that search.
A lookup refers to the act of searching for information or the data that is found, commonly used in learning, programming, and data related situations.
The app performs a quick lookup to show definitions instantly when you tap on a word.In the system, each user ID triggers a database lookup to retrieve the correct profile information.That table allows fast lookups without loading the entire dataset.Synonyms: search, query, check, reference action, data retrieval, information search, scan, database query, fact check, info pull, data fetch, reference lookup
Antonyms: guess, assumption, random answer, no search, blind guess, unverified info, skipped check, ignored data, rough estimate, speculation, invented detail, unchecked claim -
(Slang) A casual way to say finding something out quickly.
In casual conversation, people say lookup or look it up to mean quickly checking something, often on a phone, without making it sound formal or serious.
I’m not sure about the score, let me do a quick lookup on my phone.He laughed and said he would just look it up instead of arguing about the fact.She did a fast lookup to settle the debate in the group chat.Synonyms: quick check, fast search, phone check, instant search, quick verify, rapid lookup, fast reference, quick find, casual search, easy check, light research, simple check
Antonyms: long research, deep study, ignore, avoid checking, guess, overthink, delay, postpone search, skip verifying, forget to check, leave unknown, stay unsure