upstart Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an arrogant or presumptuous person
  2. noun a person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class
    arriviste; parvenu; nouveau-riche.
  3. noun a gymnastic exercise performed starting from a position with the legs over the upper body and moving to an erect position by arching the back and swinging the legs out and down while forcing the chest upright
    kip.
  4. adjective satellite characteristic of someone who has risen economically or socially but lacks the social skills appropriate for this new position
    parvenu; parvenue; nouveau-riche.

WordNet

Up*start" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To start or spring up suddenly. Spenser. Tennyson.
Up"start` noun
Definitions
  1. One who has risen suddenly, as from low life to wealth, power, or honor; a parvenu. Bacon.
  2. (Bot.) The meadow saffron. Dr. Prior.
Up"start` adjective
Definitions
  1. Suddenly raised to prominence or consequence. "A race of upstart creatures." Milton.

Webster 1913