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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Selena Gomez is giving us a head start on winter manicure inspiration. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Oct. 2024 The folks who speak Korean will have a head start on how nefarious this gang is. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 18 Oct. 2024 Colorado lawmakers made a head start on the 2025 legislative session, giving preliminary approval Tuesday to more than 30 bills crafted in the interim. John Frank, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024 Get a head start on your holiday decor by snagging this Kelly Clarkson Home pre-lit tree, or shop other must-see markdowns like this throw pillow from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi and four storage baskets for under $50. Bridget Degnan, People.com, 8 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 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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