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

However, for students looking to get a head start on building their resume, winter programs offer them a unique opportunity to grow academically and personally. —Kristen Moon, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Target’s bottom line also took a supply chain hit, as the company got a head start on bringing in inventory ahead of the East Coast port strike last month. —Evan Clark, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024

The Giants, Raiders, Browns, Titans and Jaguars all have a head start in the tankathon to draft Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, or both. —Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 19 Nov. 2024

Provided there aren’t any client needs, employees can log off at 12 p.m. on Fridays and get a head start on the weekend. —Jenny Hellwig, Chicago Tribune, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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