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

Might not failure on this score hand the future to upstart studios and film industries in other countries?

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But the Tories are failing to capitalize, because voters fleeing Labour are flocking to the upstart Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage instead.

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It’s been buffeted by election losses as voters flee to upstart parties, especially on the right.

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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.

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

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