apprentice

1 of 2

noun

ap·​pren·​tice ə-ˈpren-təs How to pronounce apprentice (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: one bound by indenture (see indenture entry 1 sense 1a(3)) to serve another for a prescribed period with a view to learning an art or trade
b
: one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling
a carpenter's apprentice
compare journeyman sense 1, master entry 1 sense 1c
2
: an inexperienced person : novice
an apprentice in cooking

apprentice

2 of 2

verb

apprenticed; apprenticing

transitive verb

: to set at work as an apprentice
especially : to bind to an apprenticeship by contract or indenture

intransitive verb

: to serve as an apprentice

Examples of apprentice in a Sentence

Noun decided to be an apprentice to an electrician after he graduated aware that she's only an apprentice in the medical field, she readily defers to her more experienced colleagues Verb He apprenticed with a master carpenter for two years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Half of those apprentices will be city residents who are currently underrepresented in those fields, officials said. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024 Except for books and supplies, both the IBEW and IEC fund the training, leaving apprentices nearly debt-free upon completion. Bob Woods, CNBC, 27 July 2024
Verb
One of Japan’s few top actors to cross over to Hollywood in a major way, Sanada began performing in Tokyo nearly 60 years ago as a child actor, apprenticing under local screen legend Sonny Chiba. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Sep. 2024 Katey’s brother Gregg is a director Katey’s younger brother Gregg also pursued a directorial career, studying cinema at the University of Southern California and apprenticing with fellow directors Blake Edwards, Nicolas Roeg and John Badham. Audrey Schmidt, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apprentice 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apprentice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English aprentis, from Anglo-French apprentiz, from aprendre to learn, from Latin apprendere, apprehendere — see apprehend

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of apprentice was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near apprentice

Cite this Entry

“Apprentice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apprentice. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

apprentice

1 of 2 noun
ap·​pren·​tice ə-ˈprent-əs How to pronounce apprentice (audio)
: a person who is learning a trade or art by experience under a skilled worker

apprentice

2 of 2 verb
apprenticed; apprenticing
: to set at work as an apprentice

More from Merriam-Webster on apprentice

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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