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

Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio promised Tuesday to deliver major tax cuts if he is elected in November, saying the cuts are necessary to kick-start the economy and return money to hard-working families. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026

Turning points of his firm include becoming the exclusive licensee for Versace perfumes in 2005, with the first scent Bright Crystal kick-starting a track record of successful fragrance franchises for the brand. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

Small's 22-yard catch kick-started the march that tied a 99-yarder against Kansas five years ago as the longest in school history. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

That fig kick-started a (so-far) lifelong obsession with the fruit. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 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