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ketchup.
an effort to reach or pass a norm, especially after a period of delay:
After the slowdown there was a catch-up in production.
an effort to catch up with or surpass a competitor, as in a sports contest.
an instance of catching up.
intended to keep up with or surpass a norm or competitor:
a catch-up pay raise to offset inflation.
play catch-up, Informal. to make a special effort to overcome a late start, a liability, or the advantage a competitor has:
After Russia launched the first space satellite, other countries had to play catch-up.
Contemporary Examples

A conversation with Mary Higgins Clark seems like a catchup with an absent aunt, or a proverbial long lost friend.
Mary Higgins Clark Interview About New Book, I’ll Walk Alone Sandra McElwaine April 28, 2011

Historical Examples

Strain the gravy when it has boiled long enough, and flavour it with catchup.
Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches Eliza Leslie

catchup, sauces, and jellies are now frequently preserved in this way.
General Science Bertha M. Clark

In using this catchup allow four table-spoonfuls to a common-sized sauce-boat of melted butter.
Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches Eliza Leslie

For sauce, send with them melted butter, and put some soy into it; or flavour it with catchup.
Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches Eliza Leslie

We have ordered no more spice, &c. than is absolutely necessary to feed the catchup, and keep it from fermenting, &c.
The Cook’s Oracle; and Housekeeper’s Manual William Kitchiner

Put in the catchup at the last, and hold it over the fire just long enough to be thoroughly heated.
Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches Eliza Leslie

Add a tablespoonful of butter and any catchup or sauce desired.
The Easiest Way in Housekeeping and Cooking Helen Campbell

In using wine or catchup, add only at the last moment, as boiling dissipates the flavor.
The Easiest Way in Housekeeping and Cooking Helen Campbell

If making a rich soup that requires wine or catchup, let it be added the last thing, just before the soup is taken from the fire.
Miss Leslie’s New Cookery Book Eliza Leslie

noun
a variant spelling (esp US) of ketchup
n.

see ketchup.
n.

“a working to overtake a leading rival,” by 1971, probably a figurative use from U.S. football in reference to being behind in the score. From verbal phrase catch up, which was used from early 14c. in sense “raise aloft” and from 1855 in sense “overtake;” see catch (v.) + up (adv.).

Related Terms

play catch-up