What does "starting" mean?

1. (beginning an action) the form of 'start' used for actions happening now or planned for the future. 2. (the act of beginning) the act of beginning a process or an event.

How do you use "starting"?

Often followed by an infinitive or a gerund, as in 'starting to rain' or 'starting raining'.

starting

v. · n.

US //ˈstɑɹtɪŋ// UK //stˈɑːtɪŋ// start·ing

1 beginning an action (v.)
A1 Beginner

the form of 'start' used for actions happening now or planned for the future.

the present participle of 'start', used in progressive tenses or as an adjective to describe something in its initial stage.

Example

We are starting our holiday tomorrow morning at six o'clock.

Example

The team is starting the final phase of the project today, aiming for a full release by the end of the quarter.

Usage

Often followed by an infinitive or a gerund, as in 'starting to rain' or 'starting raining'.
- beginning
- commencing
- finishing
- ending
2 the act of beginning (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the act of beginning a process or an event.

a verbal noun denoting the commencement or initiation of an activity or state.

Example

The starting of the engine made a very loud noise in the quiet garage.

Example

The sudden starting of the race caught several spectators off guard, as the official signal was given earlier than scheduled.
- commencement
- outset
- conclusion
- termination

Idioms1 entry

01
fire the starting gun
To launch or trigger an event or situation.