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

The City Council will consider final approval of the funding commitment today, effectively kick-starting a project that would build a new home for the Major League Baseball team and transform a historic district near downtown Kansas City. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

The former All-Star catcher notched three hits, a homer and three RBIs to kick-start the Jays’ largest offensive output in more than 40 days. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Prime Video‘s The Terminal List is kick-starting promotions for Season 2 with a set of first-look photos featuring Chris Pratt as James Reece (above and below). — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

If confirmed in larger trials, these results suggest that psilocybin therapy could kick-start anorexia recovery and provide relief. — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 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