kick-start

verb

ˈkik-ˌstärt 

kick-started; kick-starting; kick-starts

transitive verb

1

: to start (something, such as a motorcycle) by means of a kick-starter

2

: jump-start sense 2

kick start noun

Examples of kick-start in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest sugar isn't essential for life, but can easily convert to a form that's thought to be crucial to kick-starting life on Earth. — CBS News, 13 July 2026

The latest sugar isn’t essential for life, but can easily convert to a form that’s thought to be crucial to kick-starting life on Earth. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

The company, which is now valued at $852 billion by private investors, kick-started a sprint for AI dominance among rivals including Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 9 July 2026

The ticket is an attractive option for visitors looking to enjoy nighttime entertainment without a full-day ticket or for guests on arrival day looking to kick-start the fun early. — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for kick-start

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart