cub

1 a person who is just starting out in a field of activity <the kind of big story that can propel a cub reporter into the stratosphere of the newspaper world> Synonyms abecedarian, apprentice, babe, colt, beginner, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro, virginRelated Words boot; amateur, dabbler, dilettante; learner, student, trainee; candidate, entrant, probationerNear Antonyms expert, master, pro, professionalAntonyms old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

2 a young person who is between infancy and adulthood <assigned to teach a bunch of young cubs how to play baseball> Synonyms bairn [chiefly Scottish], bambino, bud, chap [Southern & Midland], chick, child, juvenile, kid, kiddie (also kiddy), kiddo, moppet, sprat, sprout, squirt, whelp, youngling, youngster, youthRelated Words adolescent, minor; kindergartner (also kindergartener), preschooler, rug rat [slang], schoolboy, schoolchild, schoolgirl, schoolkid; babe, baby, bantling, infant, neonate, nestling, newborn, toddler, tot, tyke (also tike), weanling; brat, devil, hellion, imp, jackanapes, mischief, monkey, rapscallion, rascal, rogue, urchin, whippersnapper; cherub; preteen, preteen-ager, subteen, teen, teenager, teener, teenybopper, tween; lad, nipper, shaver, stripling, tad; bobby-soxer, hoyden, tomboyNear Antonyms middle-ager; ancient, elder, golden-ager, oldster, old-timer, senior, senior citizenAntonyms adult, grown-up