setup

noun

set·​up ˈset-ˌəp 

1

a

: the preparation and adjustment of a machine for an assigned task

The setup of the new software was a breeze.

Unfortunately, setup was somewhat involved and there are a number of plastic components that give us some doubts about the barrel's longevity.

—Nor'Adila Hepburn

b

: the assembly and arrangement of the tools and apparatus required for the performance of an operation

… there is a lot of variation between the setups and procedures of different farms.

—Helen Branswell

Users can opt for wired or wireless setup, providing flexibility based on their needs.

—Shubham Yewale

2

a

: the execution of a planned scoring play in sports

The logic was that both would play extensively in a three-man setup.

—Eric Hansen

b

: a position of the balls in billiards or pool from which it is easy to score

c

: a task or contest purposely made easy

d

: something easy to get or accomplish

e

: something (such as a plot) that has been constructed or contrived

Each episode of the series, following the initial setup, will delve into a different character's backstory and pathos.

—Christian Holub

f

: the beginning of a story, joke, etc., that explains and leads to what follows

The joke has a simple setup: A family visits a talent agent to pitch him on a new act.

—Kory Grow

3

a

: the manner in which the elements or components of a machine, apparatus, or system are arranged, designed, or assembled

performance suspension setup and fuel injection

With different setups, anglers can imitate small baitfish, aquatic nymphs, and even rodents.

—Max Inchausti

b

: the patterns within which political, social, or administrative forces operate : customary or established practice

4

: project, plan

5

informal : something done by deceit or trickery in order to compromise or frame someone

But the armed robbery was a setup orchestrated by an undercover officer …

—Baltimore Sun

6

a

: a camera position from which a scene is filmed

also : the footage taken from one camera position

… changing between a half-dozen equally extravagant outfits and utilizing constantly shifting camera setups.

—Paul A. Thompson

b

: the final arrangement of the scenery and properties for a scene of a theatrical or cinematic production

7

a

: a table setting

b

: glass, ice, and mixer served to patrons who supply their own liquor

8

a

: carriage of the body

especially : erect and soldierly bearing

b

: constitution, makeup

the patient's mental setup

Did you know?

Setup vs. Set-Up vs. Set Up

The noun setup is usually styled as a solid compound (that is, as a single word) in American English and as a hyphenated compound (set-up) in British English. The noun may be used attributively (that is, as an adjective) in such phrases as setup man (“someone who makes machine tool adjustments”) and setup tool (“software that facilitates the installation of a computer program”). The verb set up, on the other hand, is usually found as an open compound (two words, no hyphen) in both American and British English.

Synonyms of setup

• layout
• formation
• format

Examples of setup in a Sentence

Setup of the new software is a breeze.

It took me a while to learn the setup of the office's filing system.

We had a great setup. On my days off, my wife would work from home while I took care of the kids.

The software makes it easy to create custom setups.

Recent Examples on the Web

With strong momentum, a major capital return program, and WWDC approaching as a potential AI catalyst, AAPL offers a compelling bullish setup. —CNBC, 3 June 2026

The setup will, in some ways, be familiar to Hart, an inconsistent 3-point shooter. —Fred Katz, New York Times, 3 June 2026

Expect smart, mood-setting lighting within easy reach of the bed, neon accents that frame the W’s famously comfortable bed, a tech-forward setup that feels intuitive, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Many heritage grains and livestock breeds are being preserved because experts worry about overreliance on a narrow set of crops and animals — a fragile setup when weather, pests or disease strike at scale. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 8a

Rhymes for setup

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

setup

1 of 2 noun

set·​up ˈset-ˌəp 

: the way in which something is set up : organization, arrangement

set up

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)set-ˈəp

1

: to place in position

set up a target

2

a

: erect entry 2 sense 1

set up a building

b

: to assemble the parts of

set up a machine

3

: to cause to happen

the wind sets up a humming in the wires

4

: to put in operation : found, inaugurate

set up a school

5

: to put in operation as a way of living

set up housekeeping