false start

noun

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

: 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 But a run for a 2-yard loss by Kyren Williams and a false start by McClendon put the Rams in a passing situation. —

Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 8 Sep. 2024 If a sprinter begins their starting motion from the set position before the starting pistol is fired, it is deemed a false start. —

Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 6 Aug. 2024 There might have been a false start by Paul. — Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) was seen running nearly full speed on the field once again. —

Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2024 On Wednesday, that dishonor went to Josh Jones and Ben Cleveland, as several offensive linemen committed a false start for the third straight day. —

Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for false start

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