Definition of setup
noun
[usually in singular] informal 1the way in which something, especially an organization or equipment, is organized, planned, or arranged:would you feel comfortable in a team-teaching setup? an organization or arrangement:in the present-day family setup, both the parents may be employed a set of equipment needed for a particular activity or purpose:I have a recording setup in my house (in a ball game) a pass or play intended to provide an opportunity for another player to score.
2a scheme or trick intended to incriminate or deceive someone:“Listen. He didn’t die. It was a setup.” a contest with a prearranged outcome.