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.
Since taking office in 2023, he's worked to reduce incarceration rates for low-level drug offenses and increase access to apprenticeship programs in Maryland. Elena Moore, NPR, 13 June 2025 Craig has been teaching barbering for years through an apprenticeship program and is confident that the new model will provide his customers with good service. Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Although there are more limitations on what 529 funds can be applied to compared to Trump Accounts, restrictions have loosened in recent years to include continuing education classes, apprenticeship programs and student loan payments. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 June 2025 In researching companies, McRae also encouraged recent college grads to look for places that offer apprenticeship or rotational programs, which can offer ways to quickly ramp up their knowledge base, especially if traditional entry-level roles are in short supply. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 6 June 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 17 Jun. 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

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