Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

tune up

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.27 in modern English

Syllables: tune up
IPA

8

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

1

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To make adjustments (to an engine or bicycle drivetrain) in order to improve its performance.

Transitive verb

verb

To make preparations for vigorous exercise; to warm up.

Intransitive verb

verb

To begin to sing or play music.

Intransitive verb

verb

To tune one's instrument in preparation for performance.

Intransitive verb

verb

To beat up (someone).

American usage; Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"By this time the theatre had practically filled and the orchestra was tuning up for the overture."
"“We finally stopped roustin' him and decided to tune him up instead, every chance we got.” “Tune him up?” “Yeah, that's an expression for beatin' the living dog shit outta somebody.”"
"“I mean, I had to tune her up a bit. She bitched a lot and never did any work. Sometimes, you know, you just gotta get their attention, whack 'em a little.""
"[T]hey couldn't tune him up because the murder had to look like he died in his sleep."

Usage

Inflected Forms

tunes up (present, singular) tuning up (participle, present) tuned up (participle, past) tuned up (past)

Phrases

tune-up

Frequently Paired Words

tune-up

Synonyms

soup up tune

Questions

What does tune up mean?: To make adjustments (to an engine or bicycle drivetrain) in order to improve its performance.

How to pronounce tune up

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “tune up”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “tune up”.
Repeat and practice — Say “tune up” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.