upstart

American  

[uhp-stahrt, uhp-stahrt] / ˈʌpˌstɑrt, ʌpˈstɑrt /

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.

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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 British  

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

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verb

1. archaic (intr) to start up, as in surprise, etc

Other Word Forms

• upstartness noun

Etymology

Origin of upstart

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

Example Sentences

When a young upstart joins their party, each tries to convince her of the best ways to get ahead in life, offering conflicting views of success and how to achieve it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now he was Han Solo in “Star Wars,” directed by a young upstart, George Lucas.

From Los Angeles Times

For the former small business adviser from Suffolk, taking a small stake in the upstart beer company from north east Scotland seemed an opportunity too good to miss.

From BBC

It’s early, and the contest will attract upstarts, insurgents and opportunists.

From The Wall Street Journal

Core was already contending with a crop of upstart private clubs crowding its turf as well as a nasty legal fight with its landlord.

From The Wall Street Journal