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
Stock up your vanity with these staples, or get a jump-start on holiday shopping while deals last.
—
Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
To jump-start their rushing attack, the Patriots could involve Drake Maye on option runs from shotgun formations.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
Redirected toward the common good, that scale of funding could jump-start a permanent safety net, and prepare workers for what’s next.
—Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
For other programs in recent years, previous relationships have proven critical as coaches like Indiana’s Curt Cignetti (hired from James Madison) and Washington’s Jedd Fisch (Arizona) were able to jump-start their rebuilds by persuading several of their key players to make the move with them.
—The Athletic Colleges Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump-start
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Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
To jump-start their rushing attack, the Patriots could involve Drake Maye on option runs from shotgun formations.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
Redirected toward the common good, that scale of funding could jump-start a permanent safety net, and prepare workers for what’s next.
—Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
For other programs in recent years, previous relationships have proven critical as coaches like Indiana’s Curt Cignetti (hired from James Madison) and Washington’s Jedd Fisch (Arizona) were able to jump-start their rebuilds by persuading several of their key players to make the move with them.
—The Athletic Colleges Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
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 24 Oct. 2025.
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