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.
Open to both beginners and experienced players, these classes offer a welcoming space to learn and grow. Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025 Tim, who runs the dog TikTok account @miloandtubby, brought her 3-year-old corgi, Tubby, to PetSmart for a beginner's doggy training class. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 While most are highly technical and strictly for experts, there are some beginner routes. John Meyer, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025 Then The Woobles entered the chat and completely transformed the beginner-friendly crochet project space—and quickly became the must-have gift for the holiday season. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 13 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beginner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beginner. Accessed 20 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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