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start

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noun British English pronunciation: start /stɑː(r)t/ 
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singularstart
pluralstarts
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [singular] the beginning of a period of time
    start of:

    At the start of the final year, students do work experience.

    The revolutions of 1848 marked the start of a fascinating period in world history.

    This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

    from start to finish:

    The operation takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
    1. a.
      [singular] the beginning of a film, story, show etc

      Let's look at the start of the story in more detail.

      Hurry up or we'll miss the start.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
  2. 2
    [singular] the way that someone begins a period of time or activity
    start to:

    There's no better start to the day than a healthy breakfast.

    have/make a great/fine/excellent etc start:

    Hakkinen had a great start and was in second place by the first corner.

    Waddle has made an excellent start to his new career.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
  3. 3
    [singular] the beginning of a journey

    After an early start, we were soon out of the city.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
  4. 4
    [singular] the moment when a race begins

    The start has been brought forward by 30 minutes.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
    1. a.
      [singular] the place where a race begins

      The runners were all gathered at the start.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
    2. b.
      [countable] mainly journalism an occasion when a sports player takes part in a game at the beginning

      Liverpool gave Jamie Redknapp his first start of the season against Fulham.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
    3. c.
      [singular] an advantage that you have in a race or competition, by beginning it in a better position than the other people

      The women runners are given a 50-metre start.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
  5. 5
    [singular] a big change, or a new opportunity in your life
    a new/fresh start:

    She travelled to Hong Kong, hoping for a new start.

    give someone a start:

    The money she lent him would give him a fresh start.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start
  6. 6
    [singular] a sudden movement that you make because you are surprised or afraid
    give a start:

    She gave a nervous start as the door suddenly opened.

    give someone a start:

    A noise in the road gave us all a start.

    wake/sit up with a start:

    She woke with a start from her dream.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of start

phrases

See also

This is the British English definition of start. View American English definition of start.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for start.

 

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