plural tune-ups
chiefly US
1
: a process in which small changes are made to something (such as an engine) in order to make it work better
Regular tune-ups kept the car running smoothly.
My car needs a tune-up.
2
: an event or activity that helps you practice or prepare for a more important event or activity
Preseason games are tune-ups for the regular season.
Cite this Entry
“Tune-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tune-up. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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