lookup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lookup" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in technical contexts.
It is typically used when referring to the action of searching for information, often in databases or reference materials. Example: "To find the definition of the term, you can perform a lookup in the dictionary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Either way, an internet-capable device can then perform a lookup for a particular domain name, and this hierarchical system of servers turns it into an IP address, which can be used to open a connection to the machine in question.But DNS was designed when the internet was very small, and all its users were known and trusted.

The Economist

The only legal issues at stake in the case are whether he was entitled to use data from Orbitz or airline websites, and to provide direct links to them for purchases.Moreover, even if Skiplagged vanished from the internet tomorrow, the automated hidden-city lookup tool Mr Zaman sought to offer already exists, thanks to none other than Google.

The Economist

For it to work properly, tens of millions of servers and billions of devices will need to be updated to make them check the integrity of the answers they receive when they perform a DNS lookup.

The Economist

One such cryptomachine has six maximal-length linear feedback shift registers in which the stepping is controlled by another shift register; the contents of the latter are used to address a (nonlinear) lookup table defined by keys supplied by the user.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It divides them into small parts, with "contracts" between the parts; here the TABLE class contracts to provide lookup and insertion operations, and its users contract to use only the operations so publicized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

DNS servers provide automated lookup or telephone directory-like services, translating domain names into computer-readable addresses so that information will flow to and from the correct places.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He typed his son's name into the inmate-lookup section; next to "Latest Release Date," he saw "03/18/16 DECEASED".

The New Yorker

The iPhone's onscreen keyboard has a dictionary-lookup feature that tries to predict the word being typed, catching errors as they are made.

The New York Times - Tech

But they may not know that some sites -- like www.whitepages.com, www.reversephonedirectory.com and www.555-1212.com -- have reverse-lookup features.

The New York Times - Tech

(Sprint said later that a single court order could generate several thousand lookups).

The Economist

The firm offers its lookups for free, and makes its money from Google ads and academic and business services.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lookup" in technical writing, ensure the context clearly defines the data source or method being used. For example, specify "database lookup" or "DNS lookup".

Common error

Avoid using "lookup" when you mean "to admire or respect someone". "Lookup" refers to searching for information, while "look up to" indicates admiration.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lookup" is as a noun, referring to the act of retrieving data or searching for information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples demonstrate its use in technical and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lookup" is a common noun denoting the act of finding or retrieving information, typically from a structured source. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and frequent across diverse fields such as News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While generally neutral, it leans towards formality due to its prevalent use in technical contexts. When writing, it's important to differentiate "lookup" from the verb phrase "look up to", to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "search" or "retrieve" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search

A more general term for finding something, applicable in many contexts.

retrieve

Implies getting something back, often from a database or storage.

find

A basic term for locating something, less technical than "lookup".

query

Refers to a specific request for information, often in databases.

access

Implies gaining entry to information or a system.

locate

Similar to find, but can also imply determining the position of something.

seek

A more formal way to express searching or looking for something.

investigate

Suggests a more thorough or detailed search.

explore

Implies searching for discovery rather than a specific target.

scan

Refers to quickly looking through something for specific information.

FAQs

How to use "lookup" in a sentence?

You can use "lookup" to describe the process of finding information in a database or reference material. For example: "The system performs a database "lookup" to retrieve customer information."

What can I say instead of "lookup"?

You can use alternatives like "search", "retrieve", or "find" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lookup" or "look up"?

"Lookup" (one word) is typically used as a noun to describe the act of searching for information. "Look up" (two words) is a verb phrase meaning to find something in a reference or to improve. They have distinct meanings and usages.

What's the difference between "lookup" and "search"?

"Lookup" often implies a more specific and structured search, such as in a database or directory. "Search" is a broader term that can refer to any attempt to find something, whether structured or unstructured.