B1[S]the beginning of something: We were doubtful about the product's usefulness from the start.They announced the start of a new commercial venture.The weather was good at the start (= in the first part) of the week.The event got off to a shaky/poor start with the stage lights failing in the first few minutes.Beginnings and startsC2[C]the act of beginning to do something: We need to make a start on (preparing) the brochure next week.Beginnings and startsfrom start to finishC1including all of something, from the beginning to the end: The whole course was a disaster from start to finish.Complete and wholeVery and extremefor a startC1UK›first, or as the first in a set of things: We'll take names and phone numbers for a start, then later on we can get more details.First and firstly