kick-start

verb

ˈkik-ˌstärt 

kick-started; kick-starting; kick-starts

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

To kick-start the program, Teller wanted to create an instant harbor by burying, and then detonating, five thermonuclear bombs in an Indigenous village in coastal northwestern Alaska. —Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026

Economists had believed that an unusually large jump in tax refunds would kick-start spending at the start of the year. —Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

Warm temperatures and rain have kick-started the growth of many of our wonderful flowering trees and shrubs. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026

The innocuous question kick-started a new type of road trip for McCarthy, who drove across the country for six weeks on a whim to reconnect with old friends. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for kick-start

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart