self-starter

[self-stahr-ter]

See more synonyms for self-starter on Thesaurus.com

noun

starter(def 3).
Informal. a person who begins work or undertakes a project on his or her own initiative, without needing to be told or encouraged to do so.

Origin of self-starter

First recorded in 1890–95

Related formsself-start·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for self-starter

doer, pistol, dynamo, hustler, workhorse, sharpy, self-starter, beaver, fireball, go-getter

Examples from the Web for self-starter

Contemporary Examples of self-starter

Enough of your threatening to be a self-starter; now marks a turning point when you either do it or shut it.
The Stars Predict Your Week
Starsky + Cox
September 24, 2011

Historical Examples of self-starter

Doc pushed the self-starter; there came a click, a low humming.
The Dark Star
Robert W. Chambers
Mr. Bill asked tenderly, as he put his finger on the self-starter.
The Amazing Inheritance
Frances R. Sterrett
"Six cylinder, self-starter," continued Sam with increasing enthusiasm.
The Major
Ralph Connor
"Self-starter," echoed Joe, going off into a series of choking chuckles.
The Major
Ralph Connor
Mamise saw that most of the employees were employees because they lacked the self-starter of ambition.
The Cup of Fury
Rupert Hughes

British Dictionary definitions for self-starter

self-starter

noun

the former name for a starter (def. 2)
a person who is strongly motivated and shows initiative, esp at work

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for self-starter

1894, of engines, 1960, of persons (especially workers), from self- + starter. Self-starting (adj.), of motors, is attested from 1866.