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Upstart Definition & Meaning

upstart
adjective
  1. characteristic of someone who has risen economically or socially but lacks the social skills appropriate for this new position
noun
  1. an arrogant or presumptuous person
  2. a person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class
  3. 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

"Upstart" in song lyrics

See how upstart is used in real songs:

  • "quiz on tournament upstart"
    AOL — AOL
  • "summary for tournament upstart"
    AOL — AOL
  • "summary for book tournament upstart"
    AOL — AOL

Words that rhyme with upstart

Usage tips for "upstart"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "upstart" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for upstart to find words that pair well.

Use "upstart" in a verse

Now that you know what "upstart" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

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Frequently asked questions

What does upstart mean?
characteristic of someone who has risen economically or socially but lacks the social skills appropriate for this new position an arrogant or presumptuous person a person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class 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
What part of speech is upstart?
Upstart is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does upstart have?
Upstart has 4 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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