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
The set was originally supposed to debut on Feb. 9 after a Chicago listening event, but ultimately trickled out (with a false start or two) on streaming services over Feb. 10.
—
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2024
The 49ers’ decision not to run the ball amid two consecutive three-and-outs while leading 10-3 owed mostly to Kansas City wrecking first-down pass plays and a guard’s false start on second-and-10, an error that may have nixed a run try.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2024
The 49ers then were flagged for a false start, but a defensive holding penalty gave San Francisco a first down, and Purdy got the offense going with an 11-yard pass to Aiyuk.
—Brett Knight, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
The writers did have their own false start with studios that may give some reason for optimism.
—Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2023
The Lions had a chance to extend their lead before halftime, but Taylor Decker was called for a questionable false start on fourth-and-5 from the 41-yard line, with the Lions trying to draw the Rams offsides.
—Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 15 Jan. 2024
Then came a three-and-out that took just 1:01 by the 49ers’ offense, which was backed up by an Aaron Banks’ false start.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2024
Penix found Odunze on a 44-yard bomb down the right side to get into U-M territory, but a false start on the next play put Washington behind the sticks.
—Detroit Free Press, 9 Jan. 2024
The 49ers’ opening possession was a disaster which included a false start on Aaron Banks, a near-interception by Purdy and Samuel being sent to the blue tent for concussion observation.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2024
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2024
The 49ers’ decision not to run the ball amid two consecutive three-and-outs while leading 10-3 owed mostly to Kansas City wrecking first-down pass plays and a guard’s false start on second-and-10, an error that may have nixed a run try.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2024
The 49ers then were flagged for a false start, but a defensive holding penalty gave San Francisco a first down, and Purdy got the offense going with an 11-yard pass to Aiyuk.
—Brett Knight, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
The writers did have their own false start with studios that may give some reason for optimism.
—Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2023
The Lions had a chance to extend their lead before halftime, but Taylor Decker was called for a questionable false start on fourth-and-5 from the 41-yard line, with the Lions trying to draw the Rams offsides.
—Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 15 Jan. 2024
Then came a three-and-out that took just 1:01 by the 49ers’ offense, which was backed up by an Aaron Banks’ false start.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2024
Penix found Odunze on a 44-yard bomb down the right side to get into U-M territory, but a false start on the next play put Washington behind the sticks.
—Detroit Free Press, 9 Jan. 2024
The 49ers’ opening possession was a disaster which included a false start on Aaron Banks, a near-interception by Purdy and Samuel being sent to the blue tent for concussion observation.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near false start
Cite this Entry
“False start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20start. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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