Suffix · forms nouns
From Old English "-estre": forms person nouns associated with an activity or group. Trickster, gangster, prankster, youngster, spinster, mobster, hipster.
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
-ster comes from Old English "-estre" (originally feminine, as in "spinster" for women who spun thread) and now forms gender-neutral person nouns associated with an activity, group or characteristic. trickster = one who tricks with cunning and humour (trickster figure). gangster = a member of a criminal gang. youngster = a young person, especially a teenager. hipster = a person who follows alternative or avant-garde trends. prankster = one who plays pranks.
"spinster" = originally: a woman who spins thread (spin + ster). Historically it was the legal designation of an unmarried woman in British official documents until the 20th century. Today it carries a negative/archaic connotation of "old maid." In modern discourse "single woman" or "unmarried woman" is preferred. "trickster" = the cunning, deceitful trickster of folklore: an archetypal figure in many cultures (Loki in Norse mythology, Coyote in Native American tradition, Anansi in West African tradition). In narratology: the character who uses wit and deception to subvert the established order.
"mobster" = a member of the Mob or organised crime (mob + ster). Very common in American journalism and film. "teamster" = a truck driver or horse-cart driver (team = team of horses + ster). In the US: a member of the Teamsters Union, one of the most powerful trade unions in the country. "roadster" = a two-seat open-top car (road + ster). The Tesla Roadster. Also: a type of urban bicycle.
Noun or verb + ster. Produces person nouns.
Some -ster words are not analysable with this suffix synchronically: "lobster" (from Old English "loppestre") and "oyster" (from French "oistre") are not person words and -ster is not the productive suffix there.
-ster/stər/ · rhymes withuster
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
"spinster" carries negative connotations of an older woman alone by default. Using it in a modern context sounds condescending or outdated. Prefer "single woman" or "unmarried woman".
"lobster" comes from Old English "loppestre." "oyster" from French "oistre." They are not examples of the -ster person suffix. Do not generalise the pattern.
"trickster" is a technical term in folklore studies: the archetypal character who uses wit to upset the established order. Not simply "a liar" — it is a specific narrative function.
A trick to remember it
-ster = person associated with an activity or group. Key words: trickster (folkloric cunning figure), gangster, prankster, youngster, hipster, mobster, spinster (archaic: old maid). Caution: lobster and oyster are not examples of the person suffix.
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
In narratology, the "trickster" is...
Exercise 3 · Pick the right one
"Spinster" in modern English...
The suffix -ster from Old English "-estre": forms person nouns associated with an activity or group. Trickster, gangster, prankster, youngster, spinster, mobster, hipster. In Spanish it usually maps to -ero / -ista / person associated with.
The ending -ster is pronounced /stər/ · rhymes withuster. For example, "trickster".
"trick" becomes "trickster". It is a typical example of the -ster suffix.
From Germanic "-hard" (persistently excessive): forms pejorative nouns for a person who takes a negative trait to excess. Drunkard, braggart, dullard, dotard, laggard.
From French "-ier": forms nouns for a person who works with something or carries out an activity. Pioneer, privateer, profiteer, buccaneer, engineer.
From Old English "-ling": forms diminutives of young creatures, small beings or subordinate persons. Duckling, fledgling, sibling, underling, changeling.
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