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
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.
In the meantime, proponents of the idea are getting a head start on research. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 2 Dec. 2024 The chug cap is a perfect way to get a head start on your New Year's hydration resolution. Carly Monardo, Bon Appétit, 29 Nov. 2024 But these Black Friday deals won’t last long, so be sure to get a head start on your shopping before time runs out! Laura Lu, Ms, Health, 29 Nov. 2024 Here’s how to get a head start and take control this year: Schedule Your Budget Like A Meeting With Your CEO Time is your most valuable resource. Bernadette Joy, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for head start 

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of head start was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near head start

Cite this Entry

“Head start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20start. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on head start

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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