starter starter /ˈstɑːrtɝ/

noun

1. () An electric motor for starting an engine  ( starter motor , starting motor , starter )
   an electric motor for starting an engine
   
   
2. A culture containing yeast or bacteria that is used to start the process of fermentation or souring in making butter or cheese or dough  ( starter )
   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
   to make sourdough you need a starter
   
3. A hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle  ( crank , starter )
   a hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle
   
   
4. Food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course)  ( appetiser [British] , appetizer , starter )
   food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course)
    The starter was a delicious Caesar salad with homemade dressing and fresh croutons
   The starter was a delicious Caesar salad with homemade dressing and fresh croutons
   
   
5. Any new participant in some activity  ( entrant , fledgeling , neophyte , newbie [Informal] , starter , n00b [Non-standard] , newb [Non-standard] , noob [Non-standard] , shavetail [Informal, N. American] , fledgling , freshman [ N. American] , newcomer )
   any new participant in some activity
   
6. The official who signals the beginning of a race or competition  ( dispatcher , starter , despatcher [British] )
   the official who signals the beginning of a race or competition
   
7. A contestant in a team sport who is in the game at the beginning  ( starter )
   a contestant in a team sport who is in the game at the beginning