start
staht
Start (verb) means to begin doing something or set something in motion. Example: “She started the meeting five minutes late.”
verb
1
To begin doing something or set something in motion.
"She started the meeting five minutes late."
"He started learning guitar last summer."
"The children start school in the morning, so we need an early night."
2
To get an engine or machine running.
"The car wouldn't start in the cold weather."
"It took a few tries to start the old lawnmower this morning."
"Turn the key and the engine should start straight away."
3
To jerk or flinch suddenly from surprise or fear.
"She started at the sudden knock on the door."
"The loud bang made the horse start and back away from the gate."
"I started when someone tapped me on the shoulder in the quiet library."
noun
1
The beginning point of something, such as an activity, race, or period of time.
"We arrived at the start of the race just in time."
"It was a rocky start to the project, but things improved quickly."
"A good start in the morning usually makes the whole day go smoothly."
How to use start
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo begin something, get a machine going, or suddenly flinch in surprise.
Common mistake
When it means "flinch from surprise," start is closely related to startle — "he started" and "he was startled" describe the same reaction.
Common pairings
start a business
start over
jump-start
from start to finish
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Word forms
- Plural
- starts
- Third person singular
- starts
- Past tense
- started
- Comparative
- more start
- Superlative
- most start
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the meeting five minutes late.
Etymology
From Old English styrtan, "to leap up suddenly," which is also behind the related word startle.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for start
See all rhymes for start →Frequently asked questions
What does “start” mean?
The word “start” means to begin doing something or set something in motion. In plain terms, to begin something, get a machine going, or suddenly flinch in surprise.
How do you pronounce “start”?
“Start” is pronounced staht (/stɑɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “start” in a sentence?
Here is “start” used in a sentence: “She started the meeting five minutes late.”
What is another word for “start”?
Words with a similar meaning to “start” include begin.
What is the opposite of “start”?
The opposite of “start” — its antonyms — are stop, end, cease, finish and conclude.
What part of speech is “start”?
Depending on how it is used, “start” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “start” come from?
The word “start” comes from Old English. From Old English styrtan, "to leap up suddenly," which is also behind the related word startle.
Is “start” a common word?
“Start” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'start' and 'begin'?
They mean almost the same thing and usually swap freely. 'Start' feels slightly more casual and is used for machines and journeys — you start a car or start off on a trip. 'Begin' sounds a touch more formal. You would not say 'begin the engine,' but 'start' and 'begin' both work for tasks.
What is the difference between 'start' and 'commence'?
Both mean to begin, but they belong to different registers. 'Start' is the everyday word used in ordinary speech. 'Commence' is formal and official, common in ceremonies, legal documents, and announcements — 'the proceedings will commence at noon.' In casual conversation, 'commence' can sound stiff, so 'start' or 'begin' usually fits better.
What is the opposite of 'start'?
The opposite of 'start' depends on the sense. If you mean to cease an action, the opposite is 'stop' or 'halt.' If you mean to reach the end of something, it is 'finish' or 'end.' A race starts at one line and finishes at another; an engine you start can later be stopped.
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