start definition

1. the beginning of anything
• examples: it was off to a good start
2. a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning)
• examples: he got his start because one of the regular pitchers was in the hospital
• examples: his starting meant that the coach thought he was one of their best linemen
3. a sudden involuntary movement
• examples: he awoke with a start
4. a line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game
5. a signal to begin (as in a race)
• examples: the starting signal was a green light
• examples: the runners awaited the start
6. the advantage gained by beginning early (as in a race)
• examples: with an hour's start he will be hard to catch
7. get off the ground
• examples: Who started this company?
• examples: We embarked on an exciting enterprise
• examples: I start my day with a good breakfast
• examples: We began the new semester
• examples: The afternoon session begins at 4 PM
• examples: The blood shed started when the partisans launched a surprise attack
8. move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm
• examples: She startled when I walked into the room
9. get going or set in motion
• examples: We simply could not start the engine
• examples: start up the computer
10. begin or set in motion
• examples: I start at eight in the morning
• examples: Ready, set, go!
11. begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job
• examples: Take up a position
• examples: start a new job
12. play in the starting lineup
13. bulge outward
• examples: His eyes popped