As a Noun: 1. The first part of some activity. English = start, commencement, beginning. 2. The first part of a race or competition. English = start. 3. The beginning or cause of something. English = origin. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To begin or start something, especially a race, game or match.To do something you were not doing before and to continue doing it. English = start, commence, begin. 2. To start a race.