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

Given hindsight and an ice pack, a 4-0 series sweep turned into a nice, physical tune-up for the battles to come. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026

Golden State held off a late push to secure a 78-76 win in its lone preseason tune-up, leaning on defensive energy and late-game execution to close out a tight game. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026

For irrigation tune-ups, choose a contractor who is a certified member of the Florida Irrigation Society. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026

Games 1 and 2 at The Garden in the bag, a loss in Atlanta in Game 3, then stealing Game 4 and wrapping it up at home in five as a tune-up before the real test begins. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026

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