English Explanatory Dictionary

upstart

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. One who has suddenly gained wealth, power, or other prominence, but either has not received social acceptance or has become arrogant or presumptuous.
  2. The meadow saffron.
adj
  1. Acting like a parvenu.
  2. Self-important and presumptuous.
verb
  1. To rise suddenly, to spring

Pronunciation

/ˈʌp.stɑːt/ /ˈʌp.stɑɹt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-upstart.wav

Word forms

upstart upstarts more upstart most upstart upstarting upstarted

Etymology

From Middle English upstarten, upsterten, equivalent to up- + start.

Synonyms

arriviste nouveau riche parvenu
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