startup

/ˈstɑrˌtʌp/

Other forms: startups

The word startup refers to either the process of beginning something or a new entrepreneurial business. The startup costs for your sister's startup might be higher than she thinks.

Most startups offer their customers something innovative — a new product, like a dog toy that's truly indestructible, or an ingenious service, like a smartphone app that tells you where the closest public restrooms are. A startup begins with a great idea, is backed by investments of money, and is intended to grow very quickly — assuming it's successful.

Definitions of startup

1. noun

   a newly established company or business venture
   type of:

   company

   an institution created to conduct business
2. noun

   the act of setting in operation
   “repeated shutdowns and startups are expensive”

   type of:

   beginning, commencement, start

   the act of starting something
3. noun

   the act of starting a new operation or practice
   “the startup of the new factory was delayed by strikes”

   synonyms: inauguration

   type of:

   beginning, commencement, start

   the act of starting something