ap·pren·tice
ə-ˈpren-təs 
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
apprenticed; apprenticing
: to set at work as an apprentice
especially
: to bind to an apprenticeship by contract or indenture
: 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
Peyton Robinson, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
Consider a part-time employee, a freelancer or an apprentice initially.
—Peter Boolkah, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Early in his career, Trump apprenticed himself to Roy Cohn, an unprincipled lawyer who taught the young Donald how to gain wealth and influence through ruthless bullying, profane braggadocio, opportunistic bigotry, baseless lawsuits, lying, and more lying.
—Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprentice
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Noun
Peyton Robinson, a rising senior at Mercy High School, is a 2025 Detroit Free Press summer apprentice.
—Peyton Robinson, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
Consider a part-time employee, a freelancer or an apprentice initially.
—Peter Boolkah, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
In the Giants’ best-case scenario, the defense will carry the team, while Wilson capably guides the offense as Dart spends his rookie season apprenticing on the sideline.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Early in his career, Trump apprenticed himself to Roy Cohn, an unprincipled lawyer who taught the young Donald how to gain wealth and influence through ruthless bullying, profane braggadocio, opportunistic bigotry, baseless lawsuits, lying, and more lying.
—Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprentice
Cite this Entry
“Apprentice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apprentice. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apprentice
1 of 2 noun
ap·pren·tice
ə-ˈprent-əs
: 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
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