setup

[ set-uhp ]

noun

1. organization; arrangement.
2. an act or instance of setting up or getting ready:

   The setup of the lights and camera took most of the morning.

3. the carriage of the body; bearing.
4. a camera position, as for a particular shot.
5. everything required for an alcoholic drink except the liquor, as a glass, ice, and soda water, as served to patrons who provide their own liquor.
6. Informal.
   1. an undertaking or contest deliberately made easy.
   2. a match or game arranged with an opponent who can be defeated without risk or effort.
   3. an opponent easy to defeat.
7. Sports.
   1. a shot or play that results in a puck, shuttlecock, ball, or balls being so positioned as to provide a player with an easy opportunity for a winning shot:

      a playmaker who excels in setups.

   2. the position of such a puck, ball, etc.:

      a setup close to and to the left of the goalkeeper.

   3. the puck, ball, etc., itself:

      The wing banged the setup into the goal.

8. an arrangement of all the tools, parts, apparatus, etc., necessary for any of various specific jobs or purposes.
9. the equipment or items necessary for a particular activity or period; kit:

   Each student gets a weekly setup of clean blankets, sheets, and towels.

10. a plan or projected course of action.
11. a prearranged situation or circumstance, usually created to fool or trap someone; trick; scheme.

Usage Note

See login.

Word History and Origins

Origin of setup¹

First recorded in 1600–10; noun use of verb phrase set up

Example Sentences

In their dedication to authenticity, Fehlbaum and his production team sourced period-accurate equipment from old television stations and collectors, much of it still working, to re-create the analog control-room setup as faithfully as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

This innovative experimental setup provided valuable insights into how initial restoration decisions influence biodiversity in oil palm-dominated landscapes.

From Science Daily

The setup was clear from the opening reliance on overwrought generality: There is greater distrust today of the media than ever before, and, Bezos implores,a respected newspaper’s endorsements are part of the problem.

From Salon

After Game 1, the Horns will watch the series at home, where they have a setup designed to preserve domestic tranquility.

From Los Angeles Times

Charli’s stage setup was minimal — no dancers, no band, just Charlotte Aitchison alone on some scaffolding and a big LED rig.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• composition
• foundation
• set-up
• structure
• system