Phrase guide

running start

noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A start to a race in which a contestant is already at full speed before reaching the starting line or take-off point.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An initial advantage at the beginning of some action or pursuit; a head start.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • His background in the military gave him a running start in his engineering career.
  • The basketball season got off to a running start last week.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

a quick and auspicious beginning

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: flying start

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: start

4

noun

Meaning 4

a racing start in which the contestants are already in full motion when they pass the starting line

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: flying start

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: racing start

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.