Started with sailor (3)
I believe the answer is:
tar
'sailor' is the definition.
(slang term for a sailor)
'started with' is the wordplay.
'with' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'TAR' is hidden within 'started'.
(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "Sailor; road surface" , "A sailor; a preservative" , "Road surfacing or old sailor" , "Liquid from wood, coal" , "It paves the way" .)