kick-starter

noun

kick-start·​er ˈkik-ˌstär-tər How to pronounce kick-starter (audio)
: a motor starter (as on a motorcycle) that is activated by a thrust of the foot

Examples of kick-starter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many of the islanders—particularly those in the native coalition—welcomed the new venture as a potential source of jobs, even as a kick-starter for the local economy. Rebecca Panovka, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kick-starter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kick-starter was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near kick-starter

Cite this Entry

“Kick-starter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kick-starter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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