# start up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/start-up
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to begin a new business, organization, or project. You can also use it when a machine or computer begins to work.

For teachers: to initiate the operation of a machine or the establishment of a commercial enterprise. As a transitive verb, it requires an object; as an intransitive verb, it describes the commencement of a process or engine function.

## Examples

- They want to start up a new software company.
- It takes a few minutes for the old computer to start up every morning.
- The entrepreneur managed to start up three successful ventures before the age of thirty, despite the challenging economic climate.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will start up to my computer." but "I will start up my computer." — the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- when used for businesses, it is often transitive; when used for engines or computers, it can be intransitive.
- Teaching tip: contrast with the noun 'startup' (one word), which refers to the company itself; the phrasal verb is two words.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.