upstart

[ noun adjective uhp-stahrt; verb uhp-stahrt ]

noun

1. a person who has risen suddenly from a humble position to wealth, power, or a position of consequence.
2. a presumptuous and objectionable person who has so risen; parvenu.

adjective

1. being, resembling, or characteristic of an upstart.

verb (used without object)

1. to spring into existence or into view.
2. to start up; spring up, as to one's feet.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to start up.

upstart

noun

1. 1. a person, group, etc, that has risen suddenly to a position of power or wealth
   2. ( as modifier )

      an upstart family

      an upstart tyrant

2. 1. an arrogant or presumptuous person
   2. ( as modifier )

      his upstart ambition

verb

1. archaic.
   intr to start up, as in surprise, etc

Other Words From

• upstartness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of upstart¹

1275–1325; Middle English (v.); up-, start

Example Sentences

Beginning his career in music as a fun-loving, noughties upstart on BBC Radio 1, Colin Murray soon moved into sport broadcasting.

From BBC

But in a year long on fresh talent, Grammy voters also showered nominations on several of the upstart pop acts who’ve dominated concert stages, streaming platforms and social-media feeds in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

The Associated Press called the race for one of Pennsylvania's two Senate seats on Wednesday, saying that Republican upstart David McCormick had defeated incumbent Sen. Bob Casey.

From Salon

When the band’s 1981 single “Radio Free Europe” became a regional hit, Berry reached out to Ian Copeland, a concert promoter with whom he had worked, who in turn contacted his brother Miles, the owner of upstart label I.R.S., who signed the band.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of taking a commanding two-game lead in this best-of-seven series, they’ve opened a door for the upstart Mets, who have now stolen away home-field advantage.

From Los Angeles Times