self-starter

[ self-stahr-ter ]

noun

1. starter ( def 3 ).
2. Informal. a person who begins work or undertakes a project on their own initiative, without needing to be told or encouraged to do so.

self-starter

noun

1. the former name for a starter
2. a person who is strongly motivated and shows initiative, esp at work

Other Words From

• self-starting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-starter¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Enough of your threatening to be a self-starter; now marks a turning point when you either do it or shut it.

From The Daily Beast

Seth Rogen (April 15, 1982) Aries self-starter Rogen began doing standup at 12, and he wrote a draft of Superbad at 13.

From The Daily Beast

He smiled a little derisively, stepped on the self-starter, and shot the car at the long hill down which the boys had just come.

From Project Gutenberg

Pressing the self-starter, the chauffeur soon had his machine gliding along.

From Project Gutenberg

"Yes, I'll back if Dick will only give me room," muttered Tom, as he pressed the lever of the self-starter.

From Project Gutenberg

In those days the self-starter was unknown, but Martin found he could start the heated engine without any difficulty.

From Project Gutenberg

Will puts iron into your blood, tightens up your vertebrate and makes you "a self-starter."

From Project Gutenberg