starting pistols
Sprint launch tools
Starting pistols are blank-firing handguns used to signal the beginning of races.
The loud report gives all competitors a simultaneous audible cue, while the flash can trigger electronic timing systems.
The runners crouched at the blocks, waiting for the starting pistol.
To jump the gun originally meant reacting before the pistol fired.
Sudden bright burst
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- beaconGuiding light source
- sirenWailing alert device
- hornPointed animal headgear
whistle · blank cartridge · cap gun · air horn · klaxon · buzzer · flag · flash
Sudden loud noise
- reportFormal written findings
- blastSudden forceful burst
- crackNarrow break or attempt
- popFizzy drink, regionally
sharp · loud · piercing · echo · reverberate · smoke · discharge · acoustic
Brief-race speed athletes
- trackPath or monitored route
- blocksObstructs or sections
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
- heatsIncreases temperature
lanes · photo finish · timekeeper · stopwatch · Olympics · qualifying · semifinals · finals
Opening play in football
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- commencementAct of starting
- launchSet into motion
- onsetStarting point of something
on your marks · set · go · green light · off and running · gun lap · opening · send-off
flare
Sudden bright burst
horn · whistle · blank cartridge · cap gun · air horn · klaxon · buzzer · flag · flash · report
bang
Sudden loud noise
pop · sharp · loud · piercing · echo · reverberate · smoke · discharge · acoustic · sudden
sprinters
Brief-race speed athletes
heats · lanes · photo finish · timekeeper · stopwatch · Olympics · qualifying · semifinals · finals · personal best
kickoff
Opening play in football
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- commencementAct of starting
- launchSet into motion
onset · on your marks · set · go · green light · off and running · gun lap · opening · send-off · cue
starting pistolsfinish line
Race completion marker
finish tape · checkered flag · final whistle · closing bell · stopwatch
starting pistolsstop signal
Command to cease motion
ceasefire · brakes · red flag · pause button
start, starting, starts, started, starter, starters, restart, restarting, restarted