Definition

The act of searching for and finding information, often in a database or reference source.

Example

I did a quick lookup of the word in the dictionary to understand its meaning.

Conversation

I had to do a quick lookup for my project last night.

Oh really? What were you trying to find?

Just some statistics, but it took longer than I expected to get the right info from my lookup.

I know how that goes! Sometimes the database can be pretty tricky.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lookup → It is formed from "look" (from Old English *locian*, meaning to see or observe) and "up" (meaning in a higher position or direction). The word "lookup" means to search for information or to observe something in a higher position.

Memory Tip

Think of 'looking' ('locian') for something 'up' — that's why 'lookup' means to search for information.

Visually Confused Words