tune-up

American  

[toon-uhp, tyoon-] / ˈtunˌʌp, ˈtyun- /

noun

1. an adjustment, as of a motor, to improve working order or condition.

   The car needs a tune-up badly.

2. Informal. a preparatory activity or warm-up, as before a contest or game.

   The track meet served as a tune-up for the Olympics.

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tune up British  

verb

1. to adjust (a musical instrument) to a particular pitch, esp a standard one

2. (esp of an orchestra or other instrumental ensemble) to tune (instruments) to a common pitch

3. (tr) to adjust (an engine) in (a car, etc) to improve performance

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noun

1. adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance

tune up Idioms  

1. Adjust machinery so it is in proper condition, as in I took the car in to be tuned up. [Early 1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of tune-up

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase tune up

Example Sentences

The two teams now head into the fifth match on Saturday, the final tune-up ahead of the T20 World Cup starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

As a tune-up for the challenge of India to come later this summer, the home side were not wholly impressive, particularly their seam bowling on the third morning.

From BBC • May 24, 2025

You might know that you can turn to traditional therapy if you’re facing challenges or you want to give your mental health a tune-up.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2025

Roberts said Gonsolin will throw another rehab start — aiming for the five-inning marker — in Oklahoma City next week, and is on track with his tune-up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2025

This particular tune-up just happens to be centered around the fact that I need to be pumped with antibiotics to finally get rid of a sore throat and a fever that won’t go away.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott