beginner

noun

be·​gin·​ner bi-ˈgi-nər How to pronounce beginner (audio)
bē-
: one that begins something
especially : an inexperienced person

Examples of beginner in a Sentence

although our son is only a beginner at swimming, he is making excellent progress
Recent Examples on the Web Read on for Vogue’s beginner’s guide to vitamin A, below. Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 Skiing and Snowboarding Info Big Sky Resort has more than 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, 21 percent of which are rated beginner, 29 percent intermediate, and 50 percent advanced. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023 Half the fun is in unboxing itself while the other is discovering the 12 full-size lip and lash products, brushes and more, which are great for any beginner or pro in your life! People Staff, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023 This is the most classic Instant Pot model, and the best one for beginners—in a spunky red color that is not so classic, but that might be right for someone on your holiday shopping list. Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 15 Nov. 2023 And despite the fancy names, each recipe is easy enough for beginners and wraps up in about 30 minutes, all without compromising on flavor. Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 13 Nov. 2023 Playa Tamarindo is the main destination for tourists who want to hang by the beach, but surf can be found at Playa Grande, which is perfect for beginners and is known for turtle spotting, and Playa Langosta, a quieter stretch of beach with great waves for the more experienced set. Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2023 For beginners, baked fish is an easy, good-for-you protein that's perfect for both basic dinners and special occasions. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2023 But even beginners will find a blue or green run from the top of every lift, allowing anyone to explore the entire mountain. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beginner was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near beginner

Cite this Entry

“Beginner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beginner. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

beginner

noun
be·​gin·​ner bi-ˈgin-ər How to pronounce beginner (audio)
: a person who is beginning something or doing something for the first time : an inexperienced person

More from Merriam-Webster on beginner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!