greenhorns

noun

plural of greenhorn
as in novices
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

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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 greenhorns Flecks of mica and pyrite and who knows what, but only fools and greenhorns mistake it for gold. — John Archibald, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greenhorns
  1. novices
  2. beginners
  3. newcomers
  4. apprentices
  5. rookies
  6. freshmen
Noun
  • The sizable number of offerings in every box can help bean novices get acquainted with new products and strengthen their bond with favorites.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of novices
Noun
  • This arm-knitting technique is especially appealing for beginners, and the resulting oversized texture will look warm and welcoming draped over a sofa or chair.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Bam Bird Social aims to be a welcoming space for both beginners and longtime players.
    — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginners
Noun
  • In addition to familiar faces from Season 1, he’ll be joined by series newcomers Tommy Lee Jones and Betty Gilpin, who respectively play his estranged father and a public defender who enters his orbit.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Many newcomers moved to Florida during the pandemic, with some seeking the state’s less restrictive COVID-19 policies and many registering as Republicans.
    — Liv Coleman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of newcomers
Noun
  • Experienced workers are needed not only to fill jobs, but to mentor apprentices, supervise jobsite learning, and teach the next generation.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Eligible watchmaking students and apprentices may apply from Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany and, as of this edition, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of apprentices
Noun
  • Introducing Debut Patches to rookies and producing RPDA cards was a no-brainer.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Enter first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, play-caller Bobby Slowik, quarterback Malik Willis and a young receiver trio that includes rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of rookies
Noun
  • Other college freshmen might be outside soaking up the nice weather on this sunny September day.
    — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The College of Literature, Science and the Arts is the largest at the public university, with about 3,500 freshmen enrolled yearly, just less than half of the total class.
    — Dan Simmons, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of freshmen

Browse Nearby Words

greenhorn
greenhorns
greenhouse
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Cite this Entry

“Greenhorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorns. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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