starter

1 of 2

noun

start·​er ˈstär-tər 

1

: a person who initiates or sets going: such as

a

: an official who gives the signal to begin a race

b

: one who dispatches vehicles

2

a

: one that engages in a competition

especially : a member of a starting lineup

b

: one that begins to engage in an activity or process

3

: one that causes something to begin operating: such as

a

: a device for starting an engine

especially : an electric motor used to start an internal combustion engine

b

: material containing microorganisms (such as yeast) used to induce a desired fermentation

4

: something that is the beginning of a process, activity, or series

especially : appetizer

starter

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being an item acquired with the expectation that a more elaborate or sophisticated model will be acquired in the future

a starter home

Phrases

for starters

: to begin with

Examples of starter in a Sentence

Noun

The team is playing only five regular starters.

The car's starter needs to be replaced.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For starters, she is blessed with magnetic energy, sultry vocals, and undeniable confidence. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

During the fermentation process, the lactic acid bacteria in the starter produces an enzyme called phytase. —Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Eubanks, a 6-foot-10 post player, will back up starter Ivica Zubac. —Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 9 Feb. 2025

On Thursday, Hochul also proposed $50 million in capital funding to incentivize the construction of more starter homes and $50 million in new state funding to help first-time homebuyers with their downpayment. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1923, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing starter

• kick-starter
• self-starter
• starter home/house
• starter kit

Kids Definition

starter

noun

start·​er

ˈstärt-ər

: someone or something that starts something or causes something else to start

the starter of a motor