Definition
A pre-takeoff engine and systems check performed at a designated area near the runway, in which the pilot brings the engine to a higher power setting to verify magnetos, propeller, engine instruments, and other systems are operating correctly before flight.
Plain English
A final engine test done while still on the ground. The pilot pushes the throttle forward to a set power level and checks that the engine and key systems behave the way they should before taking off.
Context Anchor
Seen in before-takeoff checklists, airport surface operations, and runway hotspot discussions when aircraft move to or wait in a runup area near a runway.
Derivation
From 'run the engine up' — meaning to bring it up to a higher power setting. The phrase became fixed in aviation as the name for this specific pre-takeoff check.
Why Pilots Care
Detects magneto, fuel, or engine problems that would be dangerous or impossible to resolve once airborne.
Intuition Check
Do not read runup as a general lead-up to an event. In aviation, a runup is a specific engine-and-systems check done before takeoff, usually while stopped.
Example Sentence 1
After taxiing to the runup area, she completed the runup and confirmed both magnetos were operating within limits.
Example Sentence 2
During the runup the RPM dropped sharply on the right magneto, so the pilot returned to the ramp for maintenance.