false start
noun
1
: a premature start (as of a race or football play)
2
: an unsuccessful attempt to begin something (such as a career)
Examples of false start in a Sentence
If someone makes a false start, the race is immediately stopped and the runners have to start again.
After several false starts, the researchers were finally able to identify the virus causing the epidemic.
Recent Examples on the Web
The set was originally supposed to debut on Feb. 9 after a Chicago listening event, but ultimately trickled out (with a false start or two) on streaming services over Feb. 10.
—
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2024
The 49ers’ decision not to run the ball amid two consecutive three-and-outs while leading 10-3 owed mostly to Kansas City wrecking first-down pass plays and a guard’s false start on second-and-10, an error that may have nixed a run try.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for false start 
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2024
The 49ers’ decision not to run the ball amid two consecutive three-and-outs while leading 10-3 owed mostly to Kansas City wrecking first-down pass plays and a guard’s false start on second-and-10, an error that may have nixed a run try.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for false start
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'false start.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near false start
Cite this Entry
“False start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20start. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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