head start

noun

1
: an advantage granted or achieved at the beginning of a race, a chase, or a competition
a 10-minute head start
2
: a favorable or promising beginning

Examples of head start in a Sentence

They gave me a five-minute head start. She took some extra classes to get a head start in her career. His natural athletic talent gave him a head start on his peers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 26-year-old newcomer to Illinois got a head start on fundraising, bringing in more than $375,000 in the first weeks of her campaign on a pitch to run a different kind of race, based on mutual aid efforts. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 Caicedo tries to track Gerson, but the timing of the midfielder’s movement gives him a head start, and De Arrascaeta finds his team-mate with a one-touch pass behind the defence. Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 June 2025 Through the Santiago Canyon College Early College Program, students have the opportunity to earn free transferable college credits and get a head start on their academic journeys. Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 His footwork and decision-making within the outside-zone scheme give him a valuable head start. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for head start

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of head start was in 1859

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Head start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20start. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

head start

noun
1
: an advantage given to a contestant at the beginning of a race
a five-minute head start
2
: a favorable or promising beginning

More from Merriam-Webster on head start

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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