bump start: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Technical (Automotive)
Quick answer
What does “bump start” mean?
To start a vehicle's engine by pushing it while in gear, or by rolling it down a hill, to turn the engine over without using the starter motor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To start a vehicle's engine by pushing it while in gear, or by rolling it down a hill, to turn the engine over without using the starter motor.
To initiate something, especially a process or project, through an initial forceful push or external impetus when it is struggling to begin on its own.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'bump start' is standard in British English. In American English, the equivalent terms are 'push start' or 'pop start'. 'Bump start' is understood but less common in the US.
Connotations
In both varieties, the core meaning carries the same technical connotation. The metaphorical use is slightly more common in British English.
Frequency
High frequency in UK automotive contexts; low-to-medium in general UK speech. Low frequency in US general speech, where 'push start' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “bump start” in a Sentence
[Subject] bump-starts [Object (vehicle)][Subject] bump-starts [Object (vehicle)] [Adjunct (by pushing)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bump start” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We had to bump start the old Land Rover after it had been sitting all winter.
- Can you bump start my car if I get it rolling?
American English
- We had to push-start the old truck after the battery died. (US equivalent)
- I've never had to bump start a car with an automatic transmission.
adjective
British English
- The bump-start method is a useful skill for classic car owners.
- He gave me bump-start instructions over the phone.
American English
- The push-start procedure didn't work on the modern vehicle.
- I read a bump-start tutorial online.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The new investment should bump start our expansion into the Asian market.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or sociological texts describing economic interventions.
Everyday
Literal: 'My battery's flat; I'll need to bump start it.' Metaphorical: 'A strong coffee is what I need to bump start my brain this morning.'
Technical
Standard term in UK automotive manuals and discussions for the procedure of starting a vehicle by engaging the gear while it is moving.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bump start”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bump start”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bump start”
- Using 'bump start' to mean 'jump start' (using jumper cables). Confusing the metaphorical use with 'kick start', which implies a more energetic, pedal-based initiation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, for vehicles with manual transmission. It can technically work for motorcycles and other manual vehicles. The metaphorical use applies to any stalled process.
A 'bump start' (or push start) uses the vehicle's own momentum to turn the engine over, requiring a manual transmission. A 'jump start' uses jumper cables and another vehicle's battery to provide electrical power to the starter motor.
Generally, no. Most automatic transmissions cannot be bump started because they lack a direct mechanical connection between the wheels and the engine when the car is off.
Yes, especially when used as a verb or adjective (e.g., 'to bump-start', 'a bump-start procedure'). The unhyphenated form is also common, particularly in informal writing.
To start a vehicle's engine by pushing it while in gear, or by rolling it down a hill, to turn the engine over without using the starter motor.
Bump start is usually informal, technical (automotive) in register.
Bump start: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʌmp ˈstɑːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʌmp ˈstɑːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give it a bump start (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a car that won't start. You give it a BUMP from behind, and it STARTS. BUMP + START = bump start.
Conceptual Metaphor
INITIATING A PROCESS IS STARTING A VEHICLE / A DIFFICULT BEGINNING IS A FAULTY ENGINE.
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what is the most common equivalent term for 'bump start'?