jump-started; jump-starting; jump-starts

transitive verb

1
: to start (an engine or vehicle) by temporary connection to an external power source (such as another vehicle's battery)
2
a
: to start or restart (something) rapidly or forcefully
advertising can jump-start a political campaign
b
: to impart fresh or renewed energy to (something) : energize
a plan to jump-start the stagnant economy
jump start noun

Examples of jump-start in a Sentence

an intentionally provocative comment that was supposed to jump-start the discussion
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.
For an offense that had struggled to generate the big play, Nicholas’ career day of 187 yards and two touchdowns on seven catches jump-started what was a lifeless offense the week prior against Temple. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025 Newsom, whose 2018 campaign promises to jump-start housing construction had not borne much fruit, took up the cause of reforming CEQA. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025 Wideout coach Jovon Bouknight is now Wyoming’s OC, and he will be charged with jump-starting an offense that’s been even more anemic than CSU’s at 20 points per game (11th in the Mountain West). Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025 Stock up your vanity with these staples, or get a jump-start on holiday shopping while deals last. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jump-start

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jump-start was in 1973

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jump-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump-start. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump-start

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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