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

The easiest garden plants for beginners include vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and tomatoes, and flowers including sunflowers, marigolds, and zinnias. —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026

The kit is intended for beginner crocheters and includes yarn, needles, custom eyes that can be installed in the plush toy, and Derpy and Sussie-themed crochet hooks. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

Her curiosity and enthusiasm in her gardener profiles and topical discussions made her discoveries doable to even beginners and also opened up intriguing possibilities for experienced gardeners. —Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

Get comfortable being a beginner repeatedly. —Matt Shumer, Fortune, 11 Feb. 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