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
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
At the same time, Maul is also intrigued by the prospect of recruiting a new apprentice, a Jedi Padawan named Devon.
—Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2026
Jacqueline R. Westerfield, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
As teens, boys apprenticed on farms or with artisans, and girls as dairy maids.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprentice
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Those scarring years as a scholar and apprentice at Norwich are part of the motivation behind Mitchell’s new venture, Edge Futures.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
At the same time, Maul is also intrigued by the prospect of recruiting a new apprentice, a Jedi Padawan named Devon.
—Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
Another may be developing a business, apprenticing in a design studio, or gaining experience in health care, engineering, media or entrepreneurship.
—Jacqueline R. Westerfield, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
As teens, boys apprenticed on farms or with artisans, and girls as dairy maids.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprentice
Cite this Entry
“Apprentice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apprentice. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
