starting block

American  

noun

Track.

1. a device used by runners, especially sprinters, for increasing their speed off the mark, consisting of a metal or wooden frame, usually secured to the ground at both ends, with adjustable, triangular-shaped blocks on each side for bracing the feet.

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starting block British  

noun

1. one of a pair of adjustable devices with pads or blocks against which a sprinter braces his feet in crouch starts

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Etymology

Origin of starting block

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

"I saw something in that game - it has restored some belief, but this is a starting block."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The result was that she found herself still in the warm-up pool, instead of being on the starting block of the main pool, at call time for the final heat.

From Salon • Aug. 3, 2024

A trainer said there was a problem with a speaker on a starting block, but a swimmer attributed the pause to touchpads not working.

From Washington Times • Apr. 23, 2023

Obviously, if a runner leaves the starting block before the gun goes off, it’s an easy call.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2022

On 10-foot-tall billboards, the proud Paralympian is hunched on the starting block in his signature one-armed stance, ready to dive into his future.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2021