start up
/ˌstɑːt ˈʌp/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To begin operating or to make a machine, engine, or company begin working. It can also mean to begin doing an activity.
- The engine started up slowly.
- They started up a new business last year.
- She started up the computer and checked her email.
noun
A new company that is just beginning, especially one that is small and growing fast.
- He works for a tech start-up.
- Many start-ups fail in the first year.
- The city supports young start-ups.
Adinary Nuance
Start up is broader than launch or open. Use it for machines beginning to work, and also for new businesses. For companies, start-up is a common noun; start up a company is the verb phrase.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khởi nghiệp
- Spanish
- empresa emergente
- Chinese
- 初创公司
- Japanese
- スタートアップ
- Korean
- 스타트업
Etymology
The phrasal verb comes from English start plus up, used from the 20th century. The noun start-up became common later for a new business.
Common phrases
start up a businessstart up the enginestart-up company
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is start up one word or two?
- As a verb phrase, it is usually two words: start up. As a noun, it is often hyphenated: start-up.
- What is the difference between start up and launch?
- Start up is broader. It can mean a machine begins working or a business begins. Launch is more often used for products, projects, or campaigns.
- Is start-up formal or informal?
- It is common in business English and neutral in tone. It is widely used in speaking and writing.
- Can I say 'my company start up'?
- No. Say 'my company is a start-up' or 'I am starting up a company.'