View synonyms for

setup

[ set-uhp ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

organization; arrangement.
an act or instance of setting up or getting ready:
The setup of the lights and camera took most of the morning.
the carriage of the body; bearing.
a camera position, as for a particular shot.
everything required for an alcoholic drink except the liquor, as a glass, ice, and soda water, as served to patrons who provide their own liquor.
Informal.
1. an undertaking or contest deliberately made easy.
2. a match or game arranged with an opponent who can be defeated without risk or effort.
3. an opponent easy to defeat.
Sports.
1. a shot or play that results in a puck, shuttlecock, ball, or balls being so positioned as to provide a player with an easy opportunity for a winning shot:
  a playmaker who excels in setups.
2. the position of such a puck, ball, etc.:
  a setup close to and to the left of the goalkeeper.
3. the puck, ball, etc., itself:
  The wing banged the setup into the goal.
an arrangement of all the tools, parts, apparatus, etc., necessary for any of various specific jobs or purposes.
the equipment or items necessary for a particular activity or period; kit:
Each student gets a weekly setup of clean blankets, sheets, and towels.
a plan or projected course of action.
a prearranged situation or circumstance, usually created to fool or trap someone; trick; scheme.

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Usage Note

See login.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of setup¹

First recorded in 1600–10; noun use of verb phrase set up

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“This is the way I test if Alzheimer’s were to come,” he continues, gesturing to his computer setup in his office.

From

The setup includes concession stands and a beer and wine bar.

From

One day before his arrest he told CBS News that he believed the interview could be a setup.

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Its ever-changing setup has become a launchpad for budding DJs, an oasis for those in search of lively dance floor and an unlikely intimate venue for bigger artists.

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This was a speed-dating setup, and our apprentices had only a few minutes to get to some important conversations.

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Related Words

setulose set-up

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