1 B1 neutral
To begin operating, or to make a machine or engine begin operating
"He got into the car and started up the engine."
separable
start up
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To begin operating, or to cause something to begin operating; also to establish a new business
In plain English
To make something begin working, or to create a new business
What does "start up" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To establish and launch a new business or organization
"They used their savings to start up a small café in the town centre."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To begin suddenly, especially of sounds, music, or activity
"The band started up just as we arrived at the venue."
4 C1 formal
To jump or move suddenly in surprise or alarm (literary/dated)
"She started up from her chair at the unexpected knock at the door."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To start something and get it up and running
Actually means
To make something begin working, or to create a new business
Usage tip
Used across many contexts: machines (start the engine up), businesses (start up a company), and sounds or conversations (the music started up). The noun 'startup' (written as one word) comes directly from this phrasal verb and refers to a newly established business, especially in tech.
Words that pair with "start up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine car business company conversation music computer
How to conjugate "start up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
start up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
starts up
he/she/it
Past simple
started up
yesterday
Past participle
started up
have + pp
-ing form
starting up
continuous
Hear "start up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "start up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "start up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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