beginner

noun

be·​gin·​ner bi-ˈgi-nər 

bē-

: one that begins something

especially : an inexperienced person

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• apprentice
• babe
• colt
• cub
• fledgling
• freshman
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• newbie
• newcomer
• novice
• novitiate
• punk
• recruit
• rook
• rookie
• tenderfoot
• tyro
• virgin

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

Look no further than Tommy Gaunt Kitesurfing, located at Anegada Beach Club, to try this adventurous activity; Tommy is a master and makes the experience a breeze even for beginners. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025

Plant by Number is looking to majorly simplify the gardening process for beginners and master gardeners alike. —Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025

Cost: $17 Okra offers multiple different classes appropriate for beginners to yogis with years of experience. —Tamia Boyd, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2025

Learning to read the ocean and being able to paddle into a wave on your own, without a push from an instructor, is the real beginner’s success. —Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing beginner

• beginner's luck

Rhymes for beginner

• breadwinner
• dinner
• inner
• pinner
• sinner
• spinner
• thinner
• tinner
• winner

Kids Definition

beginner

noun

be·​gin·​ner bi-ˈgin-ər 

: a person who is beginning something or doing something for the first time : an inexperienced person