head start

or headstart

noun

1. an advantage given or acquired in any competition, endeavor, etc., as allowing one or more competitors in a race to start before the others.

head start

noun

1. an initial advantage in a competitive situation

Word History and Origins

Origin of head start¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Word History and Origins

Origin of head start¹

originally referring to a horse's having its head in front of others at the start of a race

Idioms and Phrases

An early start that confers an advantage, as in This year we'll get a head start on the competition by running more ads . The expression comes from racing, where it was used for a horse being given an advantage of several lengths over the others. Its extension to other areas dates from the early 1900s.

Example Sentences

The network finally did in August 1994, three weeks before the start of the fall season, hoping that it would benefit from a head start.

From Los Angeles Times

College requires debt unless you have the private head start of affluent parents.

From Salon

I had a head start in that there’s a lineage between the ’30s and the ’50s, so with regard to “Till,” there’s a mode of womanhood that is extremely rigorous.

From New York Times

New Zealand flanker Dalton Papali'i had just picked off his pass and cantered in to give New Zealand a seven-point head start.

From BBC

Gogol’s classes sold out quickly in Los Angeles this year so go ahead and book early to give your gift recipient a head start on growing their own in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times