beginner

noun

be·​gin·​ner bi-ˈgi-nər 

bē-

: one that begins something

especially : an inexperienced person

Synonyms of beginner

• novice
• newcomer
• rookie
• apprentice
• freshman

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

Many of the forecast heat index values look like bowling scores for beginners. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 July 2026

For beginners weighing the two, that means a cheaper mat class may also be the harder workout, especially for anyone still building core strength. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026

Both options are safe for beginners, but bodyweight exercises are often easier to start with and modify. — Jakob Roze, Health, 1 July 2026

Brazilian fandom is a funny thing, both in its complexity — Brazil, as one of its great cultural figures once said, is not for beginners — and in the ha-ha sense. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 25 June 2026

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