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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of starting block

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Lai's newspaper was the city's most popular tabloid, targeting local authorities as well as the Chinese Communist Party.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, which represents smaller retailers, said that “repeat offenders and organized criminals are targeting local shops to steal goods to resell.”

From New York Times • Oct. 25, 2023

The ads will have actors targeting local Hispanic communities.

From Washington Times • Jul. 30, 2022

He insisted security forces have been responding to a well-founded threat from such Rohingya militants, who attacked police posts in Rakhine state, rather than methodically targeting local people.

From Fox News • Nov. 10, 2018

The Élysée was quick to insist the comments had been taken out of context and sought to bat away any accusations of class contempt or of targeting local protesting workers.

From The Guardian • Oct. 5, 2017