What does startup mean?
A startup is a business or organization that has recently been established, usually with the aim of developing a new product, service, or business model. The term is especially common in technology, where startups are often associated with innovation, rapid growth, venture capital, and flexible working methods, although it is not limited to the technology sector. More broadly, “startup” can mean the process of launching a business, project, or system, as well as the early stage of an enterprise. In general writing, “new company” or “new business” may sound more formal or neutral. As a verb, “start up” is usually written as two words when referring to launching a process or operation, while the closed form “startup” is common in technical usage. The word reflects the idea of beginning something and now carries the additional modern connotation of a young company seeking to establish itself in a competitive market.
A newly established business or organization, especially one based on an innovative product, service, or business model.
"The startup announced a partnership with a major retailer."
The term is particularly associated with technology and venture-backed companies, but it is also used for new businesses in other fields.
To begin an operation, business, project, or system.
"The service will startup automatically when the device connects to the network."
The two-word form “start up” is more usual in ordinary English when the action of launching a process is meant; “startup” is common in technical and business writing.
Relating to the beginning or launching of a business, project, or operation.
"Startup costs were higher than expected."
This use is usually attributive, as in “startup costs,” “startup funding,” and “startup phase.”
The standard plural is “startups.” In formal writing, “start-ups” is also accepted, but “startups” is the usual modern spelling.
"Several startups are competing to develop the same technology."
A startup is often described as beginning with an idea, but its real beginning usually involves research, planning, financing, and a lot of uncertainty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does startup come from?
“Startup” is a compound of “start” and “up,” following the pattern of “start up,” meaning to begin an activity or operation. The word was used for the process of beginning a business or undertaking before it became especially prominent as a term for newly founded companies. Its modern business sense developed alongside the wider use of “startup” for new and emerging enterprises. Related forms include “start,” “restart,” and “upstart,” all of which use the same basic idea of beginning or rising into activity.
How startup is actually used
In business contexts, “startup” commonly refers to a new company, particularly one based on technology or innovation. As a verb, it is often written as the phrasal verb “start up” when the action is emphasized; “startup” is more frequent in technical and business writing.