Starter: meaning, definitions and examples

This word was already used. Please refer to the first entry for details.

Refers to someone who is new to an activity, usually in a non-competitive and more general sense.

• She is a beginner in French and still struggles with basic vocabulary
• As a beginner in cooking, he often follows recipe books closely

Describes someone who initiates or starts something, often a project, idea, or process. It implies taking the first action towards something.

• He was the initiator of the community cleanup project
• The initiator of the new policy faced some resistance from the team

Has a negative connotation and refers to someone who provokes or causes trouble, often by initiating conflict or controversy.

• The instigator of the fight was punished by the school principal
• She was seen as the instigator of the office arguments

This term is also used similarly to 'starter' to refer to the initial part of a meal, generally in informal settings or menus.

• We started our meal with a basket of garlic bread as a starter
• | The menu's starter selection was varied and appetizing

Commonly used in American English, this refers to small dishes meant to be eaten before the main course, often to stimulate the appetite.

• The restaurant served delicious calamari as an appetizer
• | We ordered a few appetizers to share before our entrees arrived

In American English, this refers to the main course of a meal, but in other English-speaking countries, it can also refer to a starter. Context is important.

• For my entrée, I chose the grilled salmon
• | The maître d' suggested a light entrée before the steak

A more formal term, often used in fine dining or multi-course meals, to describe the first part of the meal.

• The chef prepared a special soup for the first course
• | The first course included a beautifully arranged Caesar salad

Used to refer to the initial course in a meal or a device that initiates the operation of an internal combustion engine.

• For the starter, we will serve a fresh green salad.
• The car wouldn't start because the starter was faulty.

Commonly used in the context of starting a motor vehicle by turning the ignition key. It can also refer to the process of setting something on fire.

• He turned the key in the ignition to start the car.
• The ignition of the campfire was quick due to the dry wood.

Specifically refers to the electric motor that initiates the engine in a vehicle.

• The mechanic checked the starter motor to diagnose the car's starting issue.
• A malfunctioning starter motor can prevent the engine from cranking up.