jump-started; jump-starting; jump-starts

transitive verb

1
: to start (an engine or vehicle) by temporary connection to an external power source (such as another vehicle's battery)
2
a
: to start or restart (something) rapidly or forcefully
advertising can jump-start a political campaign
b
: to impart fresh or renewed energy to (something) : energize
a plan to jump-start the stagnant economy
jump start noun

Examples of jump-start in a Sentence

an intentionally provocative comment that was supposed to jump-start the discussion
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.
Turn them into a breakfast that jump-starts your day and cuts down on food waste. Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025 These experiences, when paired with a strong academic foundation, give students a jump-start toward their futures and position schools as sources of talent for employers, benefitting students and communities alike. Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Micah Nocita’s rushing TD jump-started the rout, and Colton Camba’s long TD pass to Mikal Hegenbart late in the opening quarter accelerated it. Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025 The big food meltdown After its 2015 merger, Kraft Heinz wanted to jump-start growth by buying rival Unilever, maker of Hellmann's mayonnaise and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Alina Selyukh, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jump-start

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jump-start was in 1973

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Cite this Entry

“Jump-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump-start. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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