self-starter

American  

[self-stahr-ter] / ˈsɛlfˈstɑr tər /

noun

1. starter.

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.

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self-starter British  

noun

1. the former name for a starter

2. a person who is strongly motivated and shows initiative, esp at work

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-starting
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-starter

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Joe, having safely disposed of the muffles, gave himself up to unrestrained laughter, throwing back his head, slapping his knees and repeating at intervals, "Self-starter, by gar!"

From The Major by Connor, Ralph

"Self-starter," echoed Joe, going off into a series of choking chuckles.

From The Major by Connor, Ralph