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

Realistically, the talent gap and situational stakes favor Ole Miss heavily; this appears to be a tune-up for the Rebels more than a true toss-up. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

Minnesota played well over the final 30 minutes in its first of two tune-up games. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025

There will be music, arts, safety workshops and bike tune-ups. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025

Either way, the Panthers and Lightning spent more time in the weeds dealing with hijinks over the past two games — a 5-2 Lightning win on Thursday in Tampa and a 7-0 Panthers win on Saturday in Sunrise — than actually getting meaningful reps in their final tune-ups before the regular season. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 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