tune-up

noun

ˈtün-ˌəp 

ˈtyün-

1

: a general adjustment to ensure operation at peak efficiency

an engine tune-up

2

: a preliminary trial : warm-up

Examples of tune-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dart, 22, took first-team snaps in a game for the first time as a Giant — then led the second-string offense on two consecutive touchdown drives — in a primetime preseason tune-up against the Jets at MetLife Stadium. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025

In the preseason finale against the Saints, though, the starters will get a little bit of tune-up work. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2025

Many are lamenting Ennis’ decision to take a tune-up fight in October to ease his way into 154 pounds rather than diving into the deep end with the division’s sharks. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Cincinnati is the last big hardcourt tune-up prior to the US Open, the event where Williams won two of her seven Grand Slam titles in 2000 and 2001. —Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tune-up

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

Kids Definition

tune-up

noun

ˈt(y)ü-ˌnəp

: a general adjustment to get everything in good working order

an engine tune-up