What does start mean?
Start is a common English word used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to begin an activity, process, or undertaking, as in starting a meeting, starting a car, or starting a new project. It can also mean to cause something to begin or set something in motion. As a noun, a start is the moment or action of beginning, a point from which something develops, or an initial advantage. The word appears in many fixed expressions, including “starting point,” “a false start,” and “start from scratch.” Its basic sense is associated with beginnings and initial stages, but the verb can also describe the activation of machinery, the initiation of a business, or a sudden movement. Start is used in standard English in both British and American speech and writing. It is generally formal-neutral, though more formal contexts may prefer words such as “begin” or “commence.”
To begin doing something, to begin an activity or process, or to cause something to begin or move.
"The company will start work on the new building next month."
Start can be followed by a noun, a gerund, or an infinitive: “start work,” “start running,” or “start to run.” In formal writing, “commence” is sometimes preferred.
The action or moment of beginning; a starting point or initial position; an initial advantage; or a sudden involuntary movement.
"The horse got a good start and maintained its lead throughout the race."
The sense meaning an initial advantage is especially common in phrases such as “get a head start” and “give someone a start.”
The plural is used for separate beginnings, events, or attempts, as in “several false starts.”
"After a few false starts, the team finally got the project underway."
A start can be the opening moment of an event, the place where a journey begins, or the signal that sends everyone off.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does start come from?
The English word derives from Old English stærtan, meaning to begin or set out. Its historical development also produced the noun meaning the beginning or starting point. The word has close relatives in other Germanic languages, including Swedish starta, Norwegian starte, and Dutch and German starten, reflecting a common Germanic origin.
Related word forms
How start is actually used
Start is formal-neutral and extremely versatile. It is common in both speech and writing, although “commence” is often preferred in formal or legal contexts. In business and administrative language, it frequently refers to a scheduled launch, beginning, or period of operation.
Easily confused with start
To start is to begin something, while to stare is to look fixedly and directly at someone or something.