Starter
'stɑːtər
Definitions
3 meaningsA person or thing that starts something; the first course in a meal; a piece of equipment used to start a machine.
'stɑːtər
A person or thing that initiates or begins something.
The pitcher is the starting player for the baseball team.
💡 Simply: A starter is like the beginning of something! Think of the first course at dinner (yum!), or the player who kicks off the game. It's the one who 'starts' it all!
👶 For kids: A starter is the thing that begins something, like the first food you eat at a meal, or the person who starts a game.
More Examples
The restaurant offers a variety of starters on its menu.
The new software includes a helpful starter guide.
How It's Used
"The team's star starter pitched a great game."
"We enjoyed some delicious starters before the main course."
"The company offers a starter kit for new employees."
A device or part of a machine that initiates its operation; specifically, the device that starts a motor.
'stɑːtər
A device or mechanism used to start an engine or motor.
The mechanic replaced the faulty starter in the engine.
💡 Simply: Think of the thing you turn in a car to make the engine go vroom! That's the starter. Or think of the little button you press on some machines to get them to do their job. It starts things!
👶 For kids: It's like the thing you push or turn to get the engine in the car or the motor in the machine to start working.
More Examples
The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine.
Ensure the starter is functioning correctly before operating the machinery.
How It's Used
"The car's starter motor failed, preventing it from starting."
"The starter is essential for a fluorescent lamp to function correctly."
Designed for beginners or introductory use.
'stɑːtər
Used to describe something designed for beginners or as a starting point.
The website offers a starter tutorial for new users.
💡 Simply: This is something made for people just starting out. Like a 'starter' book for learning how to cook – it's easy and helps you get the basics.
👶 For kids: It's something that is good to use when you are just starting out.
More Examples
They provide a starter kit to get new customers engaged.
This program is perfect for starter programmers.
How It's Used
"The company offers a starter package for new subscribers."
"This book is designed as a starter guide to coding."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
starter home
A small, relatively inexpensive home purchased by first-time homebuyers.
"They bought a starter home in the suburbs."
starter culture
A culture of microorganisms used to initiate fermentation processes, such as in the production of yogurt, cheese, and sourdough bread.
"The yogurt is made using a specific starter culture."
From 'start' + '-er', indicating someone or something that begins an action or activity. The word 'start' itself comes from Old English 'starian' meaning 'to move suddenly'.
The word 'starter' has been used since the early 20th century, initially referring to a device used to start engines. Its usage as a noun for a first course and for someone who begins something developed later.
Memory tip
Think of the 'starter' as the first step or beginning.