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
That false start can create long-term problems.
—
Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Before the next snap, Detroit was called for a false start, pushing the offense from the 1-yard line all the way back to the 15-yard line.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
The Commanders stopped it on the first try and then left guard Landon Dickerson (allegedly) committed a false start on the second that backed the Eagles up to the 6.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
The Chiefs were whistled for five false start penalties — everyone on the offensive line committed at least one other than Creed Humphrey.
—Sam McDowell December 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for false start
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Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Before the next snap, Detroit was called for a false start, pushing the offense from the 1-yard line all the way back to the 15-yard line.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
The Commanders stopped it on the first try and then left guard Landon Dickerson (allegedly) committed a false start on the second that backed the Eagles up to the 6.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
The Chiefs were whistled for five false start penalties — everyone on the offensive line committed at least one other than Creed Humphrey.
—Sam McDowell December 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for false start
Cite this Entry
“False start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20start. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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