Startup

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈstɑɹtˌʌp/

Definitions

1. A newly established business venture in its initial phase of operations, typically seeking to develop a scalable product or service
2. A business initiative in its early stages that aims to innovate while looking for growth opportunities and often focuses on creating a marketable product or service
3. An entrepreneurial project in the initial growth phase, generally characterized by limited resources and a strong focus on product development and market fit

Etymology: The phrase "start up" began with footwear. Its older sense, from "start" and "up," was the boot that reaches up the leg to the middle of the calf, the sort of tall boot that was pulled up to the knee or higher rather than cut short at the ankle. The noun "startup" is a deverbal formation, built from the verb "start up" (to begin operating) rather than from the boot sense, so the two meanings are related through the verb rather than directly. The business sense is the one that stuck. A startup is a new young business, typically one just beginning operations and often seeking investment to grow. Few words have travelled so far from their original object, and the boot itself is now a rare term that most people encountering the word will never meet.

Synonyms: new business, venture