n.1 a person or thing that starts.
2 an esp. automatic device for starting the engine of a motor vehicle etc.
3 a person giving the signal for the start of a race.
4 a horse or competitor starting in a race (a list of probable starters).
5 the first course of a meal.
6 the initial action etc.
Phrases and idioms:
for starters sl. to start with. under starter's orders (of racehorses etc.) in a position to start a race and awaiting the starting-signal.