jump-start
verb
jump-started; jump-starting; jump-starts
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
The $50 million investment will jump-start initial work, though the overall cost will be higher.
—
Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
San Jose has approved a slew of housing initiatives and incentives — including some for office-to-residential conversions downtown — to jump-start the construction of thousands of units previously stalled by unfavorable market conditions.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Town and school leaders have long hoped new development on the now-vacant property would boost Eatonville’s limited tax base and jump-start a revitalization of the town, which has has struggled economically.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Gorilla Glass’s revival from an earlier, shelved technology to an essential smartphone accessory was jump-started by Apple’s request for a collaboration.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jump-start
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Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
San Jose has approved a slew of housing initiatives and incentives — including some for office-to-residential conversions downtown — to jump-start the construction of thousands of units previously stalled by unfavorable market conditions.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Town and school leaders have long hoped new development on the now-vacant property would boost Eatonville’s limited tax base and jump-start a revitalization of the town, which has has struggled economically.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Gorilla Glass’s revival from an earlier, shelved technology to an essential smartphone accessory was jump-started by Apple’s request for a collaboration.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jump-start
Cite this Entry
“Jump-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump-start. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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