take-up

[ teyk-uhp ]

noun

1. the act of taking up.
2. Machinery.
   1. uptake ( def 3 ).
   2. any of various devices for taking up slack, winding in, or compensating for the looseness of parts due to wear.
3. the contraction of fabric resulting from the wet operations in the finishing process, especially fulling.

take up

verb

1. to adopt the study, practice, or activity of

   to take up gardening

2. to occupy and break in (uncultivated land)

   he took up some hundreds of acres in the back country

3. to shorten (a garment or part of a garment)

   she took all her skirts up three inches

4. to pay off (a note, mortgage, etc)
5. to agree to or accept (an invitation, etc)
6. to pursue further or resume (something)

   he took up French where he left off

7. to absorb (a liquid)
8. to adopt as a protégé; act as a patron to
9. to occupy or fill (space or time)
10. to interrupt, esp in order to contradict or criticize
11. take up on
    1. to argue or dispute with (someone)

       can I take you up on two points in your talk?

    2. to accept what is offered by (someone)

       let me take you up on your invitation

12. take up with
    1. to discuss with (someone); refer to

       to take up a fault with the manufacturers

    2. intr to begin to keep company or associate with

noun

1. 1. the claiming or acceptance of something, esp a state benefit, that is due or available
   2. ( as modifier )

      take-up rate

2. machinery the distance through which a part must move to absorb the free play in a system
3. modifier denoting the part of a mechanism on which film, tape, or wire is wound up

   a take-up spool on a tape recorder

Word History and Origins

Origin of take-up¹

First recorded in 1815–25; noun use of verb phrase take up

Example Sentences

He zeroed in on the NDC's messaging, taking up roles as the parliamentary spokesperson and minister for communication.

From BBC

It is unclear when the measure may be taken up by Congress for a vote.

From BBC

The Derbyshire Dales takes up much of the Peak District National Park, and sits near four major UK cities - Manchester, Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham.

From BBC

To support himself during his studies, he took up jobs as a taxi driver and cleaner.

From BBC

A Russian software company has invited a seven-year-old coding prodigy to join its management team, as soon as he is old enough to take up paid employment.

From BBC

Related Words

• adopt
• assume
• commence
• continue
• embrace
• enter
• initiate
• open
• pick up
• renew
• reopen
• resume
• tackle
• undertake