# hookup

/ˈhʊˌkəp/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hookup
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a casual meeting for sex between two people who are not in a serious relationship. It can also mean a helpful connection to someone who can get you something special.

For teachers: a casual sexual encounter between two individuals who do not have an ongoing romantic relationship; also a connection or arrangement that provides access to something.

## Examples

- Their hookup at the party was awkward the next morning.
- He used a family hookup to land a summer internship at the law firm.
- The dating app explicitly markets itself as a platform for hookups rather than long-term relationships, which has made it controversial in some communities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.