setup
organization; arrangement.
an act or instance of setting up or getting ready: The setup of the lights and camera took most of the morning.
the carriage of the body; bearing.
a camera position, as for a particular shot.
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.
Informal.
an undertaking or contest deliberately made easy.
a match or game arranged with an opponent who can be defeated without risk or effort.
an opponent easy to defeat.
Sports.
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.
the position of such a puck, ball, etc.: a setup close to and to the left of the goalkeeper.
the puck, ball, etc., itself: The wing banged the setup into the goal.
an arrangement of all the tools, parts, apparatus, etc., necessary for any of various specific jobs or purposes.
the equipment or items necessary for a particular activity or period; kit: Each student gets a weekly setup of clean blankets, sheets, and towels.
a plan or projected course of action.
a prearranged situation or circumstance, usually created to fool or trap someone; trick; scheme.
Origin of setup
1usage note For setup
Other definitions for set-up (2 of 2)
Surveying.
a surveying instrument precisely positioned for observations from a station.
a gap between the end of a chain or tape being used for a measurement and the point toward which it is laid.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use setup in a sentence
He speaks in a whisper, flanked by the two locals who set up the meeting.
The Dangerous Drug-Funded Secret War Between Iran and Pakistan | Umar Farooq | December 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTExtra security was also set up along the lines to monitor other signs of potential sabotage.
“Ovens using gas cylinders were set up to make bread under bridges, and nursing stations appeared, offering medicines,” he writes.
A cynic might say that the report is like the movie Clue, perfectly set up for a multiplicity of endings.
On the weekends the birds and stray cats keep the artists company as they set up their displays.
The Life and Hard Times Of The Family A Cuban Defector Left Behind | Brin-Jonathan Butler | December 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The scarlet calico canopy was again set up over the bed, and the woven cradle, on its red manzanita frame, stood near.
Ramona | Helen Hunt JacksonThe king's statue was again set up in Guild hall, London, and the states arms taken down.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology | Joel MunsellWhile the majority pulled in one way there was an active minority that wished the Nana to set up an independent kingdom.
The Red Year | Louis TracyAnd now notice the peculiar relation that is set up between the monopolist's production and the satisfaction of human wants.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice | Stephen LeacockHe hath chosen strong wood, and that will not rot: the skilful workman seeketh how he may set up an idol that may not be moved.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various
British Dictionary definitions for set up
(also intr) to put into a position of power, etc
(also intr) to begin or enable (someone) to begin (a new venture), as by acquiring or providing means, equipment, etc
to build or construct: to set up a shed
to raise, cause, or produce: to set up a wail
to advance or propose: to set up a theory
to restore the health of: the sea air will set you up again
to establish (a record)
informal to cause (a person) to be blamed, accused, etc
informal
to provide (drinks, etc) for: set 'em up, Joe!
to pay for the drinks of: I'll set up the next round
printing another term for set 1 (def. 12)
informal the way in which anything is organized or arranged
slang an event the result of which is prearranged: it's a setup
a prepared arrangement of materials, machines, etc, for a job or undertaking
a station at which a surveying instrument, esp a theodolite, is set up
films the position of the camera, microphones, and performers at the beginning of a scene
physically well-built
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with setup
Place in an upright position, as in I keep setting up this lamp but it won't stay up. [c. 1200]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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