starter

UK: /ˈstɑː^rtə^r/ US: /ˈstɑrtɚ/ ,(stär′tər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

start•er /ˈstɑrtɚ/   n. [countable]

1. a mechanical device that starts an engine.
2. anything that starts.

Idioms

3. for starters, [Informal.] as the first step or part;
   initially:
   We'll have cocktails for starters.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

start•er  (stär′tər), n. 

1. a person or thing that starts.
2. a person who gives the signal to begin, as for a race, the running of a train, bus, elevator, etc.
3. Automotive a device that starts an internal-combustion engine without a need for cranking by hand.
4. a person or thing that starts in a race or contest:
   Only five starters finished the race.
5. a culture of bacteria used to start a particular fermentation, as in the manufacture of cheese, buttermilk, sour cream, etc.
6. Food [Cookery.] sourdough (def. 1).
7. Slang Terms a shill, as at a gaming table in a casino.
8. Games [Cribbage.] the card turned face up on the stack before the play.
9. for starters, [Informal.] as the first step or part;
   initially;
   first:
   We will have soup for starters. For starters, he doesn't even know how to drive.

adj. 

10. constituting a basis or beginning:
    a starter set of dishes; a starter home.

• start + -er¹ 1530–40

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

starter / ˈstɑːtə/ noun

1. a device for starting an internal-combustion engine, usually consisting of a powerful electric motor that engages with the flywheel
   Formerly called self-starter
2. a person who supervises and signals the start of a race
3. a competitor who starts in a race or contest
4. an acceptable or practicable proposition, plan, idea, etc
5. the first course of a meal
6. (modifier) designed to be used by a novice: a starter kit
7. for starters ⇒ in the first place
8. under starter's orders ⇒ (of horses in a race) awaiting the start signal
9. (of a person) eager or ready to begin