upstart meaning

upstart as a noun

1. an arrogant or presumptuous person

   Type of: unpleasant person

   Kinds: wise guy

2. a person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class

   Synonyms: parvenu, nouveau-riche, arriviste

   Type of: unpleasant person

   Kinds: social climber, junior

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

   Synonyms: kip

   Type of: gymnastic exercise

upstart as an adjective

1. characteristic of someone who has risen economically or socially but lacks the social skills appropriate for this new position

   Synonyms: nouveau-riche, parvenu, parvenue

   Similar: pretentious

How to pronounce upstart

upstart is pronounced /ˈʌpstɑrt/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.