startup

or start-up

[ stahrt-uhp ]

/ ˈstɑrtˌʌp /

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noun

the act or fact of starting something; a setting in motion.

a new business venture, or a new commercial or industrial project: a small, 5-month-old internet startup.

adjective

of or relating to the beginning of such a venture or project, especially to an investment made to initiate it: high start-up costs for construction of a new facility.

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Origin of startup

First recorded in 1550–60; noun use of verb phrase start up

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use startup in a sentence

And not just sick in the body but in your mind, because you start obsessing.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“I think for trans men who are dating every time they hook up they have another coming out,” Sandler said.
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Between 25 and 30, you’re trying to decide how much longer before you start growing a beard and calling yourself ‘Daddy.
Freaking Out About Age Gaps in Gay Relationships Is Homophobic|Samantha Allen|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In that photo, Merabet has a big smile that spreads across his whole face and lights up his eyes.
The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST

We won't find out this season, though it comes up occasionally.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
What need to look to right or left when you are swallowing up free mile after mile of dizzying road?
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Most of the men leaped up, caught hold of spears or knives, and rushed out.
The Giant of the North|R.M. Ballantyne
Some weeks after, the creditor chanced to be in Boston, and in walking up Tremont street, encountered his enterprising friend.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
In less than ten minutes, the bivouac was broken up, and our little army on the march.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
The bride elect rushes up to him, and so they both step down to the foot-lights.
Physiology of The Opera|John H. Swaby (AKA "Scrici")

British Dictionary definitions for startup

start up

verb (adverb)

to come or cause to come into being for the first time; originate

(intr) to spring or jump suddenly from a position or place

to set in or go into motion, activity, etche started up the engine; the orchestra started up

adjective start-up

of or relating to input, usually financial, made to establish a new project or businessa start-up mortgage

noun start-up

a business enterprise that has been launched recently

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with startup

start up

Begin to operate, especially a machine or engine, as in Start up the motor so we can get going. [First half of 1900s]

Move suddenly or begin an activity, as in When the alarm rang I started up. [Early 1200s]

Organize a new enterprise, as in Starting up a business requires considerable capital. [Second half of 1900s]