1. verb To have some initial or minimum monetary value. Our computers start at $400, getting more expensive the more powerful you want it to be. We're starting the price at $150,000 for the house, but we may have to lower it if there aren't any decent offers. Cashiers start at $8 an hour, but we offer pay raises after you've been with us for at least six months.

2. noun The beginning point of some task or activity that one is undertaking. We might as well make a start at the dishes. This scheme gives young families an early start at saving up for the deposit on their first homes.