set-up

[ set-uhp ]

noun

1. Surveying.
   1. station ( def 14a ).
   2. a surveying instrument precisely positioned for observations from a station.
   3. a gap between the end of a chain or tape being used for a measurement and the point toward which it is laid.
2. setting-up exercise.

set up

verb

1. also intr to put into a position of power, etc
2. also intr to begin or enable (someone) to begin (a new venture), as by acquiring or providing means, equipment, etc
3. to build or construct

   to set up a shed

4. to raise, cause, or produce

   to set up a wail

5. to advance or propose

   to set up a theory

6. to restore the health of

   the sea air will set you up again

7. to establish (a record)
8. informal.
   to cause (a person) to be blamed, accused, etc
9. informal.
   1. to provide (drinks, etc) for

      set 'em up, Joe!

   2. to pay for the drinks of

      I'll set up the next round

10. printing another term for set 1

noun

1. informal.
   the way in which anything is organized or arranged
2. slang.
   an event the result of which is prearranged

   it's a setup

3. a prepared arrangement of materials, machines, etc, for a job or undertaking
4. a station at which a surveying instrument, esp a theodolite, is set up
5. films the position of the camera, microphones, and performers at the beginning of a scene

adjective

1. physically well-built

Related Words

• arrange
• assemble
• begin
• build
• build up
• construct
• create
• erect
• establish
• found
• inaugurate
• initiate
• install
• institute
• introduce
• launch
• open
• organize
• prepare
• put up

More About Set Up

What is a basic definition of setup?

A setup is an arrangement of something. A setup is also an act or instance of getting things ready. A situation designed to trick or trap someone is also called a setup. The word setup has several other senses as a noun.

When you say that you like someone’s setup, you like the way they have arranged or organized things, such as how you organized your bedroom. When a person is talking about a setup, they usually refer to furniture or equipment, such as that new gaming computer, headset, and controller you’ve been dreaming about. This sense of setup is most often used informally.

• Used in a sentence: I bought a new desk chair to improve my home office setup.

An act of organizing things up or getting a place ready is also called a setup.

• Real-life examples: Plays and theatre performances involve a lengthy setup by the crew to get everything ready. A new computer often has to perform an initial setup during which it installs the operating software and other programs before you can use it.
• Used in a sentence: I helped with the setup of the circus tent this morning.

Setup can also mean a trap or a situation designed to ensnare or fool someone.

• Real-life examples: Police often create setups designed to catch criminals committing crimes or trick them into confessing into hidden microphones. Pranksters and comedy shows often film people who are fooled by silly setups.
• Used in a sentence: I figured out that the meeting was a setup and managed to get out of there before the cops showed up.

Where does setup come from?

The first records of setup come from around 1600. It is a noun formed from the verb phrase to set up.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to setup?

• setups (plural noun)

What are some synonyms for setup?

• arrangement
• organization
• layout
• trick
• trap
• ruse

What are some words that share a root or word element with setup? 

• set
• up

What are some words that often get used in discussing setup?

• expensive
• extensive
• furniture
• equipment
• décor
• ambush
• cops

How is setup used in real life?

Setup is a common word most often used to mean an arrangement.

I love my current living room setup (turned 1st floor into a bar) but it's days like today that make me come to the realization that I need a tv outside in my backyard.

— Rich Donnelly (@whec_rdonnelly) September 12, 2020

You don't need a fancy setup to make music. You can use your phone or laptop and that's enough.

— 13Conor 👽🪐💫 (@prodby13Conor) October 3, 2020

It very well could be the Seahawks were just fooled by the Rams having two returners deep. That was a really clever setup.

— Jayson Jenks (@JaysonJenks) October 19, 2014

Try using setup!

Is setup used correctly in the following sentence?

We spent hours moving furniture around until we finally made a bedroom setup that we both liked.