starter Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun an electric motor for starting an engine
   starter motor; starting motor.
   
2. noun a contestant in a team sport who is in the game at the beginning
   
3. noun the official who signals the beginning of a race or competition
   dispatcher.
   
4. noun any new participant in some activity
   newbie; fledgeling; neophyte; newcomer; entrant; freshman; fledgling.
   
5. noun food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course)
   appetiser; appetizer.
   
6. noun a hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle
   crank.
   
7. noun a culture containing yeast or bacteria that is used to start the process of fermentation or souring in making butter or cheese or dough
   
   • to make sourdough you need a starter

WordNet