greenhorn

noun

ˈgrēn-ˌhȯrn How to pronounce greenhorn (audio)
Definition of greenhornnext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity go easy on him—he's just a greenhorn and doesn't have all the experience you do

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of greenhorn The indestructible Gill, still strolling the fairways of the magazine, was more than welcoming to a greenhorn. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 The author came to Canada from England in 1923 as a 23-year-old greenhorn. — Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 15 Aug. 2024 Hence the herring, every greenhorn’s rite of passage on the Wizard. — Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 11 June 2024 And if Major Kidd could give the kids a pep talk half as good as Rosie, these greenhorns might sleep a little easier. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for greenhorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greenhorn
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. apprentice
  4. rookie
  5. newcomer
  6. freshman
Noun
  • The epic eight-part Italian drama was widely acclaimed and streamed in the fall on Mubi, a relatively novice player in the episodic game.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The music industry has been wrestling with the pros and cons of the new technology that allows musical novices to create professional-sounding songs in seconds.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • For absolute beginners, Quynh advises trying liquid concealer first.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The workshop offers instruction for various levels, including beginner and intermediate.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty years later, John (Pierre) is serving as an apprentice to an older, grouchier Hal.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • From Jordan Spieth trying to find his form, to rookie Jackson Koivun looking to continue a remarkable first season, to Scottie Scheffler chasing another Player of the Year honor, there is plenty to watch as the playoffs get underway.
    — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Pinch-runner Sung-Mun Song scored that winner with a deft headfirst slide, denying Sanchez’s tag attempt after a good (but high) throw from rookie right fielder Luis Lara one play after Lara denied Jackson Merrill’s a game-winning extra-base hit.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Dango Ouattara should retain his role on the right but newcomer Jaidon Anthony could pinch Kevin Schade’s place on the opposite side.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Amziah hands off the honey plant to Kateri as McConaughey, the Oscar-winning movie star, hands off the film to newcomer LookingGlass, in her very first movie role.
    — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • In May, an 18-year-old freshman reported she was raped and strangled after meeting a man at a fraternity party before returning to her dorm at Tropicana Gardens in Isla Vista.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But none of that kept Jones from keeping his commitment to Boise State, and his position coach here, first-year man Alvis Whitted, has been impressed by the young freshman.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

green-eyed monster
greenhorn
greenhorns
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of greenhorn for Spanish Speakers

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