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
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.
Another beginner-friendly strategy is to closely match your lip liner to your lipstick (whether that’s nude, bright red, or deep burgundy) for a crisp and cohesive final look. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2025 They can be scaled to tons of different ability levels, from beginner gym-goer to pro athlete. Jenny McCoy, SELF, 24 Oct. 2025 Those trying out the sport for the first time can take advantage of Mount Peter’s free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays, less than a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Times Square. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025 Loveland Valley is essentially a second base area dedicated to beginners, although a portion of the mountain is set aside for ski race training. John Meyer, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beginner

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

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Cite this Entry

“Beginner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beginner. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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
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