head start

noun

1

: an advantage granted or achieved at the beginning of a race, a chase, or a competition

a 10-minute head start

2

: a favorable or promising beginning

Examples of head start in a Sentence

They gave me a five-minute head start.

She took some extra classes to get a head start in her career.

His natural athletic talent gave him a head start on his peers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Want to get a head start on party appetizer prep or planning to enjoy these cheese crackers with snacks or lunches throughout the week? —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2024

Get a head start on healing the aches and pains, many of which are never publicized, during the offseason. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024

Seize the opportunity to get a head start on your resolutions instead of attending a traditional New Year’s Eve party. —Sara Hansen, The Denver Post, 19 Dec. 2024

Get a head start on your holiday shopping by checking out the Black Friday deals available on Apple AirPods Max, AirPods Pro, and more at Amazon. —Rachel Simon, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

head start

noun

1

: an advantage given to a contestant at the beginning of a race

a five-minute head start

2

: a favorable or promising beginning