beginner

noun

be·​gin·​ner bi-ˈgi-nər 

bē-

: one that begins something

especially : an inexperienced person

Synonyms

• 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

Resembling a minnow near the surface of the water, these rental boats come with easy instructions for beginners who are unfamiliar with how to operate the canal’s lock system along the way. —Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025

Families will paint Autumn Gnomes together, with instructors guiding the process step-by-step so even beginners can walk away proud of their canvas. —Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

Code Avengers walks you through different mastery levels but mainly focuses on teaching beginners. —Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025

Another group of 15 Native students joined a multiweek beginner program and a third training cohort filled the roster of 43 students. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 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