1no object Come into being; begin or be reckoned from a particular point in time or space.

1. 1.1with infinitive or present participle Embark on a continuing action or a new venture.
   I started to chat to him

   we plan to start building in the fall

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Jason jumped up and started to go upstairs to his room with the box of shoes in his hand.
   • The band, having recognised the song, started to play, building up to the crescendo.
   • The baby starts kicking and Claire moves her hand on to her stomach.
   • As we started to travel to the beach I noticed a lake of over 4 acres on our left-hand side.
   • The kids who live in the house next door to us have started to learn the recorder.
   • I should continue what I started and take more classes so I can get a certificate out of it.
   • Ronnie made his way to the bottom of the stairs and started to crawl up them.
   • As soon as the envelope arrived, Logan had started planning how he'd spend the money.
   • He started to move to the front door, but was stopped short as a coughing fit hit him.
   • Stas and Anton came running out of the building and we started to run towards what I think was Juhani's place.
   • To her surprise, the nobleman started to laugh and he continued to laugh for some time.
   • I've also started job hunting, and there's an incredible choice of jobs in this city.
   • As we started to leave the building, we ran into Vince and had a brief meeting with him.
   • I am happy to go back to Canada and start furnishing and living in our new house.
   • As firefighters started to drag the door out of the way, there was a sudden ignition of petrol vapour causing a fireball.
   • As we approached the coast we started to fly over buildings and roads, growing denser the closer we got to the airport.
   • Riley starts to push me forward, but I turn around and push his hands off of me.
   • He started attending drama classes at 19 while working in a factory job he hated.
   • Dylan turned around, took a deep breath, and surprised Riley by starting to cry.
   • After the game, he told me he wanted to start weight training to be the best that he could be.

   Synonyms

   make a start, begin, make a beginning, take the first step, lay the first stone, make the first move, get going, go ahead, set things moving, take something forward, buckle down, buckle to, turn to, put one's shoulder to the wheel, put one's hand to the plough, get the ball rolling, set the ball rolling, start the ball rolling
2. 1.2 Use a particular point, action, or circumstance as an opening for a course of action.
   the teacher can start by capitalizing on children's curiosity

   I shall start with the case you mention first

   Example sentencesExamples

   • In the 1970s Segal began selling space to employees, starting with his nephew Ron Herman.
   • Firstly, we ranked treatments by mean cost, starting from the least costly.
   • So I decided to start by flushing out the things I am inspired to write about.
   • Let me first of all introduce to you the panelists for this evening and I'll start with Mike Palmer.
   • We looked at all the items that had to be contained in the space, and started simply by making a list.
   • Let us start with Skipton Woods, this I know belongs to The Woodland Trust.
   • So if you want to have a crack at rockabilly, you can start with a few free lyrics and chords from the band's albums.
   • Anyone trying to get their head around pensions needs to start by understanding how the basic state pension works.
   • Can I start by saying good afternoon to both of you, Ms Black and Ms Adams.
   • Can you start by introducing yourself and the core members of the development team?
   • You start with the conclusion and work back from there to make the news and opinion fit.
   • I would like to start by making a comment on the amendment that Mr Adams has put forward.
   • You can start by looking at the list of resources at the back of the book.
   • It is often best to start by introducing the puppy to the smell of the other animal.
   • You could start by going to her book blog, which is a valuable resource in itself, or you can go to the book's own web site and work on from there.
   • If Swindon council really is intent on saving money, it could do worse than start by looking at its advertising policy.
   • You could start by going back to their fine debut, last year's Gallowsbird's Bark.
   • You start by nibbling on first rate home-baked rolls - granary, herb or dusted with sea salt.
   • Let me start by saying I have absolutely no idea why I called him Kevin.
   • At a deep philosophical level, we could start by questioning the very basis of our consumer society.
3. 1.3 Begin to move or travel.
   we started out into the snow

   he started for the door

   Example sentencesExamples

   • As he starts up the stairs, Harrison asks him where he is going.
   • Satisfied, Arlie started back up the stairs, but curiosity got the better of her.
   • She starts for the stairs and this time, she hears their footsteps behind her.
   • Gently closing the door behind her she started down the stairs rubbing her eyes free from sleep as she did so.
   • Rick started toward the door of the medical bay and entered the white room.
   • Daren moved and then got up and started toward the door not saying anything to Kristen.
   • The loud silver Chevy arrived and the two girls jumped out and started for the truck he was in.
   • She had started toward the stairs when she saw her father asleep in his favorite chair.
   • He followed her out the door and grabbed her arm before she started down the stairs.
   • Suddenly curious, Rayne starts forward, eager to discover what the shop contained.
   • Moira nodded in agreement and we both started down the stairs to talk to the guys.
   • She took one last look at her bedroom, before starting down the stairs.
   • He started up the stairs, leaving Gabrielle, obviously expecting her to follow.
   • However, just as the twins were starting down the stairs, a cry roared down the hall.
   • Closing the door he started down the stairs once more, planning to go out to the tree house.
   • Renfrew started forward, suddenly aware that he had not just been talking to himself.
   • He started up the stairs, with me in tow, bags and all.
   • The tall man reached the stairs and started down them, both Nisren and Elleen in tow.
   • I started towards the double doors, thinking that I should explain in person.
   • I opened it and saw all the food and scooped it into my arms and started toward the stairs.

   Synonyms

   set off, set out, start out, set forth, begin one's journey, get on the road, depart, leave, get under way, make a start, sally forth, embark, sail
4. 1.4with object Begin to attend (an educational establishment) or engage in (an occupation, especially a profession)
   she will start school today

   he started work at a travel agency

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Jin called and told me he's starting third grade in a week or two and that he wished I was there to make him feel better.
   • For someone who started her serious acting career as a mother, Suhasini has no regrets.
   • The girls all want to start part-time work to begin saving for overseas travel.
   • Most of the members started their Guiding careers in the Brownies, and Marjorie is no exception.
   • Sally Tomkins, 43, is a full-time mother from Bolton who wanted to buy a computer for her son before he starts university in October.
   • The card is aimed at fresh university graduates or those starting their first jobs.
   • Lisa has just started her third level studies in Galway and is wished every success.
   • And now the man who started cutting hair as a boy is beginning to out-Sassoon Vidal.
   • They are set to start work today and will follow recommendations from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
   • She started night classes in 1997 and quickly developed a taste for medieval and early modern history.
   • The scheme is aimed at alleviating some of the initial costs people face when they start work after a period of unemployment.
   • However, I really should catch up with the girls before they start their promising careers.
   • Trouble continued on the land in Ireland when Gladstone started his second ministry in 1880.
   • This week primary school teacher Mrs Trainor held a meeting for parents of children who will be starting primary school in September.
   • And it also makes me worry, because he was starting his postdoc when I was barely in my thesis lab.
   • The state pools the money and invests it, then pays tuition when the child starts college.
   • She starts kindergarten today at Riverside Presbyterian Day School.
   • When her children started school she began to look for a job in the tourism area.
   • Undergraduates starting their studies at York St John College are worried about the lack of junior posts available to complete their training.
   • Best wishes also to all who are going to Third Level, starting an Apprenticeship or beginning a new job.
5. 1.5 Begin one's working life.
   he started as a typesetter

   she started off as a general practitioner

   Example sentencesExamples

   • He started off as a monk, then when he met the prerequisites he started down the path of a technology monk.
   • Some of our leading politicians started their political careers from there.
   • He started in theatre and began getting involved in film productions nine years ago.
6. 1.6with object Begin to live through (a period distinguished by a specified characteristic)
   they started their married life

   Example sentencesExamples

   • A York man who walked out of an open prison and went on the run with his ten-year-old son was today starting a new nine-month prison sentence.
   • A thug who wore heavy gold rings when he beat up another man was today starting a 15-month jail sentence.
   • A York boy aged 15 was today starting a year-long custodial sentence for mugging schoolboys in the street.
   • A school worker who stole more than £100,000 from funds was today starting a 21-month jail sentence.
   • Three Bradford men who were part of an illegal immigrants smuggling ring using false passports were today starting lengthy prison sentences.
   • An early-hours chip shop raider caught by police climbing out of the window was today starting a 12 month jail term.
   • His wounds began to heal just three days after starting treatment.
   • A teenager was today starting an eight-month custodial sentence for a string of drunken outbursts in different parts of York.
7. 1.7 Cost at least a specified amount.
   fees start at around $300

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Prices invariably start at Rs.500 and that is probably for a gaudy or a beady look on a slipper.
   • Double rooms start at Ã125 per room per night, but it's always worth checking for special deals.
   • A basic bed, shower and toilet will start at £10 a night, plus the cost of disposable linen.
   • A detached stone cottage to the north of the region will start at about £160,000.
   • Prices start at #20 for two fish but includes catch and release on the main loch should you reach your limit.
   • Prices start at £185 per night for a suite with a Chelsea view, based on one or two people sharing.

2with object Cause (an event or process) to happen.

1. 2.1 Bring (a project or an institution) into being; cause to take effect or begin to work or operate.
   I'm starting a campaign to get the law changed

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Are people starting software companies to build and sell these smaller systems?
   • I was so fortunate that Peter had taken time out of his busy schedule to start such a program.
   • To help nudge things along, Sun this week started a Grid Developer Community web site.
   • This was followed by Blue Cross, which was started primarily to help community dogs.
   • Linda called a residents' meeting two weeks ago and a petition was started which today bears around 50 signatures.
   • One reason many young people want to start their own companies is to have a bigger stake in their working lives.
   • He never got to set in motion his vision of starting a University in Kisumu.
   • The Parc project was started by a group of parents who had either a child or children with disabilities.
   • Expensive projects started by the previous administration had to be completed.
   • Earlier, the campaign against tuberculosis was started with a media campaign.
   • Another step is to start career guidance units in each educational district.
   • We started this campaign a year ago, when are they going to do something?
   • The project was started by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra as part of its outreach work.
   • Bolton businessmen who started their own companies can now help others.
   • He is lobbying parliament to make changes to the educational system to encourage people to start their own businesses.
   • Lt. Frank Lahm was starting an Army flying school there, but there were few officers available for training.
   • Someone's starting an entirely laudable campaign to get the pubs opened early in the morning for the World Cup.
   • I began building my vast media empire by starting a small regional newspaper in East Texas.
   • Two villagers want to start local football teams and the new meeting room could be a changing facility.
   • Project Release is a promotions company started by Nathalie Clarke and Jennifer Horn.
   • The website was started and is being developed by a distinguished American academic called Karama Neal.
2. 2.2 Cause (a machine) to begin to work.
   we had trouble starting the car

   he starts up his van

   Example sentencesExamples

   • I heard the car being started and I hurried back to find Herself backing down the driveway.
   • Water gushed into the hold space and the captain ordered the pumps started.
   • One woman said she had a sense of foreboding while the aircraft was still on the ground because the pilot had trouble starting one of the engines.
   • Deuterium Boy belted himself in as Chris started the motor and began backing out.
   • You'd be surprised at what can be done to make the flight safer before starting the engine
   • The owner of the vehicle heard it being started and gave chase in another car.
   • It's quite amazing; the merest hint of a parking ticket is enough to start car engines at almost a hundred metres.
   • They targeted luxury cars which, thanks to modern security devices, could not be started without the car keys.
   • The system also allows for the car to be started by simply pressing a button on the dash.
   • I know the ignition was in the on position but to be honest I don't remember the engine being started.
   • He seemed to be having some trouble starting the little cutting machine up.

   Synonyms

   activate, set in motion, switch on, turn on, fire up
3. 2.3no object (of a machine or device) begin operating or being used.
   the noise of a tractor starting up

   there was a moment of silence before the organ started

   Example sentencesExamples

   • She was only vaguely aware of the sound of car engines starting and the flash of headlights illuminating them as they drove by.
   • You just potter about quite normally, completely unaware that the engine is starting and stopping constantly.
   • What he can do is enter a special code, and the car's engine will not start.
   • The caboose starts suddenly, then eases to a gentle roll.
   • The diesel engine starts easily and the first impression of the car is how quiet it is.
   • Just as the cart was starting, Kirsten jumped out of the cart.
   • Then the engine started and I saw him back out of the driveway and squeal off down the road.
   • The mechanic had the engine started, peered in and listened to the noise with closed eyes.
   • Soon, she heard the engine starting and the sound of the Land Rover rolling out of the driveway.
   • One day I turned the key, the ignition light came on but the engine didn't start.
   • According to reports, the engine wouldn't start and they couldn't swim to the vessel against the current.
   • Push the gas down and the engine starts instantly and off you go.
   • Several showers of sparks later I made the correct connection and the car started.
   • The engine finally started by the time the troops were about to jump onto the plane.
   • Twenty seconds later Wendy heard the faint sound of a car engine starting.
   • Once he was inside the sedan, she heard the engine starting and the next moment the car zoomed away.
   • He was already to his Hummer and the engine started when she came out onto the porch and watched him speed off.
   • They returned to their nearby home, went to bed and shortly afterwards, the car alarm started.
   • There was a muted roar combined with a yelp from Happy as the Turbo jet engine started.
   • The engine starts at the same revs it was doing before.

   Synonyms

   begin working, start functioning, get going, start operating
4. 2.4 Cause or enable (someone or something) to begin doing or pursuing something.
   his father started him off in business

   what he said started me thinking

   Example sentencesExamples

   • It was no doubt the arrival of the ZX Spectrum that started him on his career.
   • She credits childhood reading of Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov for starting her on her career.
   • Willynilly is the game that originally started me writing this book.
   • Now, a sports column is nothing more than a springboard, a gig that starts you on your way to becoming a multimedia star.
5. 2.5 Give a signal to (competitors) to start in a race.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • Then he starts a Slam Dunk competition between Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
   • She took centre stage when starting last year's junior race before joining in to raise more cash for Francis House.
   • He started the first running race and cheered the young athletes on in the warm sunshine.
   • The De Nardi Colpack rider was not allowed to start the Tour of Lombardy World Cup race.

3no object Give a small jump or make a sudden jerking movement from surprise or alarm.

1. 3.1literary Move or appear suddenly.
   she had seen Meg start suddenly from a thicket

   Synonyms

   jump, leap, spring, bound, dash, charge, pounce, dive, rush, dart
2. 3.2 (of eyes) bulge so as to appear to burst out of their sockets.
   his eyes started out of his head like a hare's

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Then she came wriggling back, with repentant doleful eyes starting upward and a knife behind her back.
   • She looked at me with her round eyes starting from her face, and then turned over her shoulder to see if her gasp had alerted anyone.
3. 3.3 Be displaced or displace by pressure or shrinkage.
   the mortar in the joints had started

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The seas continuously swept over her, and finally started the seams in her decks, washed off the tarpaulins which had been placed over the hatches and battened down, and resulted in great damage to the wheat from the sea water pouring over it through the deck seams and hatches of the ship.
   • It was nothing to explain the leakage - the wrecking of the upper works had warped the hull and started the seams - and, for a little, 'twas nothing, with patches and a hose laid to the steam pump, to keep the water back.
4. 3.4with object Rouse (game) from its lair.

1The point in time or space at which something has its origin; the beginning.

1. 1.1 The point or moment at which a race begins.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • The race start was delayed four times on the Saturday, as there was a complete lack of wind for the ships to sail.
   • Anyone arriving later than 10.30 am is unlikely to get into the estate in time for the race start.
   • Cricket commitments meant that I was always going to be an hour late for the start.
   • However today my race was really over when I stalled the car at the start and had to begin my race from the pit lane.
   • I was very aggressive at the start and during the race I tried to defend my second place and to not do any mistake.
   • I flew up this morning from Philadelphia and just made it in time for the start of the race.
   • The heavy rain held up the start for an hour and a half and left sodden fairways and greens to add to the golfers' worries.
   • The early evening kick-off saw a number of players stranded in rush hour traffic and the start was delayed.
   • It can get a bit crowded at the start of a race and the potential for a crash is significant.
   • The exact course was a secret until about three hours before the start of the race.
   • Injuries forced the lineup to change three times prior to the start of the race.
   • He ate, drank and stretched and at 9am lined up at the start, to begin his second marathon.
   • I lost a lot of time at the start of the race and I tried to close the gap as much as possible.
   • He bustled Ouija Board into fifth soon after the start and held his position until the field quickened down the back stretch.
   • John Pawson missed the start of the second race, having damaged his fin and forced to make a quick repair.
   • It begins with a mass start and the aim is simply to cross the finishing line first.
   • So last Saturday Fell Foot was a country traffic jam as 491 runners arrived at the race start.
   • There was a considerable delay to the start of the race due to a knock to First Row.
   • Participants are urged to arrive at least an hour before the start, and say parking will be available in a field at the hall.
   • It was a magnificent sight to see so many participants surging through the Claddagh at the start of the race.
   • Judging by the shape of the first corner, the start of the race could be interesting.
2. 1.2 An act of beginning to do or deal with something.
   I can make a start on cleaning up

   an early start enabled us to avoid the traffic

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Okocha made a lively start, creating chances for himself and his new colleagues.
   • The animals are at their most active in a morning and an early start will be well rewarded.
   • Proposals for the resurfacing of Fishergate are well advanced and we are hopeful for an early start to the work there.
   • On what was to be the last days fishing of that holiday, Val and I had decided to make an early start and fish up at Flix.
   • Flying Lyric is held in high regard by Woods and looks the sort of horse to enjoy a useful campaign after a promising start.
   • Obviously I am disappointed as I had a great start and was really building on my lead.
   • The classical style requires an early start at an age young enough for the body to adapt to its demanding range of movement.
   • This of course is where Willy Brandt comes in, so it's a useful start for my work on Democracy.
   • At Dudley they got away to a reasonable start, Paul Bailey giving them a third minute lead with a penalty.
   • The home side made a good start with early scores and were well in command for the first half.
   • We make an immediate start to constructing a coal-fired power station in Fife.
   • His weight alarmed the club's coaching staff and led to a sluggish start to the season.
   • Amir made a positive start and took the fight to his experienced opponent.
   • An early start will enable you to compensate for the inevitable traffic jam or late taxi.
   • Along with her fellow climbers, Katrina will have to make an early start before the clouds come in.
   • A year earlier a start had been made on dismantling the batteries, and seventeen electric cabs were scrapped.
   • Defending champion Justin Rose made a disappointing start as he finished on one over par.
   • An early start enables a two-dive morning trip to be back on the beach before mid-day.
   • Once again, the little convoy got an early start, and by nine, they had covered over twenty miles.
   • Michael made a good start and remained in third into the first corner on the half wet half dry circuit.
   • Pawson made a bad start and Hardy established a significant lead by the windward mark and went on to win.
3. 1.3 Used to indicate that a useful initial contribution has been made but that more remains to be done.
   if he would tell her who had put him up to it, it would be a start

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Going to the gym for an hour is a great start, but what about the rest of the day?
   • It is a small step, but it is a start at shaping a positive image of nursing in young minds.
   • It doesn't need to be done every 15 minutes, like News, but every 6 hours would be a start.
   • It is a good start to try to deal with the difficulties around medical mishaps.
   • This year's programme is only the start and it'll be subject to review.
   • I think this might be a good start for building something more solid with your mother.
   • Making the concept a reality was just the start, Browne also had to sell it.
4. 1.4 A person's position or circumstances at the beginning of their life, especially a position of advantage.
   she's anxious to give her baby the best start in life

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The children have overcome their shaky start in life and all three love performing and dancing to Indian music.
   • When you are pregnant, you can give your baby the best start in life by refusing to use tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, including over-the-counter medications, unless ordered by your doctor.
   • And how can we make sure they're getting the best possible start in life?
   • But, vital as good maternity services are, they're only one part of the picture when it comes to giving our children the best possible start in life.
   • Ensuring that all young children have the best possible start in life with quality education is essential.

   Synonyms

   advantageous beginning, flying start, opening, opportunity, chance, helping hand, encouragement, lift, assistance, support, boost, kick-start
5. 1.5 An advantage consisting in having set out in a race or on journey earlier than one's rivals or opponents.
   he would have a ninety-minute start on them

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The senior race also climbs to this summit, the first of five they have to climb (the juniors only do one), and with a five minute start the first junior usually beats the first senior to the top.
   • Sulamani was not too well away and gave most of his rivals plenty of start.
   • His oldest brother, Tory, would give him an hour's head start before following in his car.
   • It world take forever to find the pair in town, especially with nearly an hour head start.
   • The limit riders headed off with a 23 minute start, but were caught at about the half way mark several kilometres after Mokepilly.

   Synonyms

   lead, head start, advantage, advantageous position

2A sudden movement of surprise or alarm.

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, an agreement between the US and the Soviet Union to limit and reduce strategic nuclear weapons, first signed in 1991.