ENGLISH
REFERENCE

starter

n.
US //ˈstɑɹtɝ// UK //stˈɑːtɐ// starter
  1. 1 first course of a meal (n.)
    A2 Elementary British English Cooking

    a small dish of food that you eat before the main part of a meal.

    the first course of a multi-course meal, typically savoury and smaller in portion than the main dish.

    Example

    For my starter, I think I will have the tomato soup.

    Example

    The restaurant offers a seasonal menu where the starter often features locally sourced seafood or organic vegetables.

    Usage

    Commonly used in British English; American English speakers usually prefer 'appetizer'.
  2. 2 person starting a race (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    a person who gives the signal for a race to begin.

    an official responsible for signalling the start of a race or competition.

    Example

    The starter raised his pistol and the runners got into position.

    Example

    The race was delayed for several minutes because the starter noticed one of the athletes was not behind the line.
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  1. 3 car engine part (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    an electric motor that starts a car's engine.

    an electric motor or device used to initiate the operation of an internal combustion engine.

    Example

    The car wouldn't turn over because the starter was broken.

    Example

    The mechanic confirmed that the battery was fully charged, suggesting the issue lay with a faulty starter motor instead.
    • starter motor
  2. 4 sports team member (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sport

    a player who is in the game from the very beginning.

    a player who is part of the initial lineup at the commencement of a match.

    Example

    He was proud to be named a starter for the championship game.

    Example

    The coach decided to bench several regular starters to keep them fresh for the upcoming playoffs.
    • first stringer
  3. 5 beginner or first item (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a person who is just beginning to learn or do something.

    an individual at the earliest stage of an activity; also used for an initial item in a set.

    Example

    This camera is a great starter for someone interested in photography.

    Example

    As a starter in the industry, she spent most of her first year observing senior partners during negotiations.
Origin

From start + -er.

Word family

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