upstart

[uhp-stahrt, 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 tyrant

      an upstart family

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 Word Forms

• upstartness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of upstart¹

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

Example Sentences

Paramount is paying around $150 million in cash and stock for The Free Press, a feisty, upstart operation that generated attention through opinion pieces and podcasts with a strong point of view.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Even before his first term was completed, Mahan launched an upstart bid for mayor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At 66 years old, two-time World Series champion and three-time manager of the year Terry Francona came out of what appeared to be his managerial retirement to take another crack at contention with upstart Cincinnati.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Andrews’s message comes at a point when leaders in the party are struggling with their relationship with populist upstarts.

Read more on Salon

For those who prefer more modern upstarts, look no further than the Houston Texans, who only started competing in the NFL in 2002.

Read more on BBC