setup

American  

[set-uhp] / ˈsɛtˌʌp /

noun

1. organization; arrangement.

2. an act or instance of setting up or getting ready.

   The setup of the lights and camera took most of the morning.

3. the carriage of the body; bearing.

4. a camera position, as for a particular shot.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. an arrangement of all the tools, parts, apparatus, etc., necessary for any of various specific jobs or purposes.

9. the equipment or items necessary for a particular activity or period; kit.

   Each student gets a weekly setup of clean blankets, sheets, and towels.

10. a plan or projected course of action.

11. a prearranged situation or circumstance, usually created to fool or trap someone; trick; scheme.

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Usage

See login.

Etymology

Origin of setup

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

Example Sentences

It’s a sharp reversal from just a few weeks ago, when the setup for retailers looked bright as higher tax refunds seemed poised to provide plenty of extra pocket change.

From Barron's

It was a total setup once he got close to Kobe’s record-setting 81 points.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone lacking a professional grasp of cameras, lighting and lenses may find their eyes crossing as Mr. Deakins reels off descriptions of equipment, setups and strategies at a clip.

From The Wall Street Journal

"With the setup at KIT, we scanned 2,000 specimens in a single week."

From Science Daily

The setup of this animated film sounds like a gag: A Viking, a ninja and a World War II pilot are thrown into a Predator movie that plays like a grisly triptych.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• composition
• foundation
• set-up
• structure
• system