false start

noun

1

: a premature start (as of a race or football play)

2

: an unsuccessful attempt to begin something (such as a career)

Examples of false start in a Sentence

If someone makes a false start, the race is immediately stopped and the runners have to start again.

After several false starts, the researchers were finally able to identify the virus causing the epidemic.

Recent Examples on the Web

In a second round of 1-on-1s, Paul threw Robinson to the side on a play in which Paul might have been flagged for a false start. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Offensive tackle Patrick Paul continued to commit false start penalties, and needs to clean that aspect of his game up…. — Omar Kelly august 7, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026

The first-team offense’s opening six plays included two runs for negative total yards, a false start on Darius Slayton, a completion to Calvin Austin and the throw to Tracy that Reese broke up. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

Dart completed a checkdown to running back Devin Singletary for short gain after a false start, although Carter was adamant he should have been credited with a sack after beating Thomas. — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for false start

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