kick-start

verb

ˈkik-ˌstärt 

kick-started; kick-starting; kick-starts

transitive verb

1

: to start (something, such as a motorcycle) by means of a kick-starter

2

: jump-start sense 2

kick start noun

Examples of kick-start in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ohtani kick-started the scoring with his 10th leadoff homer of the season, which was also the 34th of his nine-year MLB career and 28th with the Dodgers. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Night owls trying to wake earlier can get bright light in their eyes first thing to kick-start daytime hormones and limit light at night to trigger the nighttime ones. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Negotiations were kick-started following England’s defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, a match the 23-year-old started. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026

The latest sugar isn't essential for life, but can easily convert to a form that's thought to be crucial to kick-starting life on Earth. — CBS News, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for kick-start

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart