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.

---

self-starter British  

noun

1. the former name for a starter

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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-starting
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-starter

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

“Taking initiative, being a self starter and being able to advocate for yourself is a skillset that is helpful when you practice law.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

There was a self starter, but the battery was dead, of course.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

"I thought you were going to buy the store out," said the waiting girl, impatiently pressing the self starter button and the car rumbled off.

From The Girl Scouts at Sea Crest Or, the Wig Wag Rescue by Garis, Lilian

She saw with astonishment that he was turning the switch, touching the self starter, and the next instant backing the car out.

From Manslaughter by Miller, Alice Duer

"Shut your darned mouth!" screeched the White Linen Nurse, her hand on the throttle as she tried the self starter.

From The White Linen Nurse by Abbott, Eleanor Hallowell