kick starter
1
4.7
- noun
- /ˈkɪk ˈstɑːrtər/
- Specialized
- The old motorcycle still has a kick starter instead of an electric ignition.
Examples
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The kick starter is essential for starting the motorcycle.
-
After fixing the engine, she tried the kick starter to see if it would work.
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He had to use all his weight to push down the kick starter.
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I need to replace the kick starter on my bike.
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He pressed the kick starter to start his motorcycle.
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To turn on the scooter, she used the kick starter with her foot.
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If the engine won't start, try using the kick starter again.
Synonyms
24
3.5
A device that makes a car or machine engine start
2
4.7
A lever on a motorcycle that you press with your foot to start the engine
1
4.0
An electric motor that turns a car engine to start it
1
3.7
A small electric motor in a car that turns the engine to start it
1
6.1
A motor that starts an engine by itself
A metal crank you put into an engine and turn by hand to make it run
How Powerful
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is compositionally built from 'kick' (to hit or thrust with the foot) + 'starter' (a device for starting an engine), so its meaning — a starter operated by pushing with the foot — is directly derivable from the parts. This follows a common action+device compounding pattern in English (and similar constructions exist in other languages), making it immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.
Etymology
The noun kick starter comes from the simple image of using your foot to kick a lever to start a motorcycle's engine. So, it means 'a lever on a motorcycle used to start the engine'.