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

She’s a natural, a self-starter, a quick learner, a hard bargainer, a mistress of disguise — really just putting on a wig, some good clothes and a posh British or American accent.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, Swift, her team, and the media have successfully branded the singer as a self-starter.

From Salon

Instead, Shlaes gives impressionistic sketches of “self-starters” who made good during the New Deal, and offers those as evidence that FDR’s programs were unnecessary.

From Salon

So when you croon the lines, you need to both gently guide them so they’re not intimidated, but also motivate them to be an independent self-starter.

From Los Angeles Times

He tells his safeties and nickels to be “self-starters,” players who feel energized by the opponent, no matter who it is.

From Seattle Times