kick-start

verb

ˈkik-ˌstärt How to pronounce kick-start (audio)
kick-started; kick-starting; kick-starts
Synonyms of kick-start

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ready to kick-start a new running habit? — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 24 June 2026 It was supposed to kick-start Toyota’s hopes of making the brand all-electric by 2035. — Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 29 June 2026 The gua sha paired with the retinol- and collagen-infused formula will give it the extra kick-start to see visible results. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 17 June 2026 Along the way, a Grammy Nomination and hit singles kick-started my career as a bassist. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for kick-start

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kick-start was in 1928

Rhymes for kick-start

See All Rhymes for kick-start

Browse Nearby Words

kickstand
kick-start
kick-starter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kick-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kick-start. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for kick-start

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