apprenticeship

noun

ap·​pren·​tice·​ship ə-ˈpren-tə(sh)-ˌship How to pronounce apprenticeship (audio)
ə-ˈpren-təs-ˌship
1
: a position as an apprentice : an arrangement in which someone learns an art, trade, or job under another
He obtained an apprenticeship with a carpenter.
Later that year, he decided to become a barrister—a career that requires acceptance into an apprenticeshipSidney Blumenthal
2
: the period of time when a person is an apprentice
During most of his apprenticeship he lived in Paris …Robert Penn Warren
a two-year apprenticeship

Examples of apprenticeship in a Sentence

only after long apprenticeship as a camera operator was he appointed director of photography on a major motion picture
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For those thinking about making a transition into blue-collar work, FlexJobs advises highlighting transferrable skills like project management and evaluating training pathways like apprenticeships and trade schools, as well as certification requirements. Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 Internships, apprenticeships and on-the-job training give young people a way to earn, learn and see a future for themselves. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025 In addition to individual programs from our peers, the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME USA) runs a national apprenticeship program that combines classroom study with on-the-job training. Mark Rayfield, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 By contrast, vocational training is finally having a moment, as are apprenticeships and other pathways into careers in the trades. Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apprenticeship

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of apprenticeship was in 1592

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Cite this Entry

“Apprenticeship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apprenticeship. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

apprenticeship

noun
ap·​pren·​tice·​ship
ə-ˈprent-əs-ˌship
1
: service as an apprentice
2
: the period during which a person serves as an apprentice

More from Merriam-Webster on apprenticeship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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