Definition of setup
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : carriage of the body especially : erect and soldierly bearing
b : constitution, makeup
2a : the assembly and arrangement of the tools and apparatus required for the performance of an operation
b : the preparation and adjustment of machines for an assigned task
3a : a table setting
b : glass, ice, and mixer served to patrons who supply their own liquor
4a : a camera position from which a scene is filmed also : the footage taken from one camera position
b : the final arrangement of the scenery and properties for a scene of a theatrical or cinematic production
5a : a position of the balls in billiards or pool from which it is easy to score
b : a task or contest purposely made easy
c : something easy to get or accomplish
d : something (such as a plot) that has been constructed or contrived
e : the execution of a planned scoring play in sports
6a : the manner in which the elements or components of a machine, apparatus, or system are arranged, designed, or assembled
b : the patterns within which political, social, or administrative forces operate : customary or established practice
8 : something done by deceit or trickery in order to compromise or frame someone
set up
verbset up; setting up; sets up
Definition of set up (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : to raise to and place in a high position
b : to place in view : post
c : to put forward (something, such as a plan) for acceptance
2a : to place upright : erect set up a statue
b : to assemble the parts of and erect in position
c : to put (a machine) in readiness or adjustment for an operation
b : bring about
4 : to place in power or in office
set up the general as dictator
6a : to put forward or extol as a model
b : to claim oneself to be
sets himself up as an authority
7 : found, inaugurate
8a : to provide with means of making a living
set him up in business
b : to bring or restore to normal health
c : to cause (one) to take on a soldierly or athletic appearance especially through drill
9 : to erect (a perpendicular or a figure) on a base in a drawing
10a : to make taut (a stay or hawser)
b : to tighten firmly
11 : to make carefully worked out plans for
set up a bank robbery
12a : to pay for (drinks)
b : to treat (someone) to something
13a : to put in a compromising or dangerous position usually by trickery or deceit
b : frame sense 3
14 : to execute one or more plays in preparation for scoring
1 : to come into active operation or use
2 : to begin business
3 : to make pretensions
has never set up to be a wise man— Thomas Rogers
4 : to become firm
set up housekeeping set up shop
: to establish one's living quarters
: to start a business or activity in a particular place
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Share setup
Time Traveler for setup
The first known use of setup was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century