start (EN)
noun, verb, noun

noun “start”

sg. start, pl. starts
  1. the beginning of an activity
    We planned our project carefully, ensuring a smooth start.
  2. the designated place where a race or game is initiated
    Runners lined up at the start, ready to sprint as soon as the gun fired.
  3. a sudden, quick movement made involuntarily
    She gave a start when the thunder crashed loudly.
  4. a young plant that is grown in a container before being moved to a permanent location
    I bought tomato starts to plant in my vegetable garden this spring.
  5. an early lead or advantage in a competition or situation
    She had a start on the competition thanks to her early training.

verb “start”

start; he starts; past started, part. started; ger. starting
  1. to take the first step in doing something; to initiate an action or process
    We plan to start our road trip at dawn.
  2. to activate a vehicle or machine so that it begins to operate
    He started the car and let it warm up for a few minutes.
  3. to react with a quick movement due to surprise or to cause such a reaction
    The mouse darted out and started the cat, causing it to leap into the air.

noun “start”

sg. start, pl. starts or uncountable
  1. something that sticks out or extends from a surface
    The shelf has a start at one end that keeps books from sliding off.
  2. the handle of a tool or piece of equipment, often used for steering or control
    He gripped the start of the plough firmly as he prepared the field for planting.
  3. the part of a water wheel bucket that is shaped to catch and direct the flow of water
    The engineer examined the start of the water wheel to ensure it was functioning properly.
  4. the lever or bar in a machine that is moved by an animal to perform work
    The farmer attached the horse to the start to begin working the cotton gin.