as in novices
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity
a virgin in the world of comedy clubs, he's still learning to deal with hecklers
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Recent Examples of virgins
The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.
—
Christin Parcerisa Vigueras, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
But fans of the myth of Erzsébet Báthory, who was accused circa the early 17th century of killing young virgins to bathe in their blood for her own beautification, might be let down by what’s ultimately a silly, madcap Vienna adventure.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
The film, directed by renowned German New Wave artist and filmmaker Ulrike Ottinger, is the latest retelling of the story of Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Báthory, a real-life aristocrat accused of bathing in the blood of virgins to retain her youth.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
According to Castro, nuns, who were supposed to be professional virgins—no Duke of Monmouth for them—could try bloodletting or enemas for a cure.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2025
Predictably, the hubbub surrounding the photo was eventually framed as a war between uptight virgins and godless heathens, with a quieter contingent astounded only by the fact that this kind of marketing could still be so effective.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
The regulars chuckled, the virgins-no-more cheered and, after some ground rules, the shuttle was off.
—Kylie Volavongsa, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Christin Parcerisa Vigueras, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
But fans of the myth of Erzsébet Báthory, who was accused circa the early 17th century of killing young virgins to bathe in their blood for her own beautification, might be let down by what’s ultimately a silly, madcap Vienna adventure.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
The film, directed by renowned German New Wave artist and filmmaker Ulrike Ottinger, is the latest retelling of the story of Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Báthory, a real-life aristocrat accused of bathing in the blood of virgins to retain her youth.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
According to Castro, nuns, who were supposed to be professional virgins—no Duke of Monmouth for them—could try bloodletting or enemas for a cure.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2025
Predictably, the hubbub surrounding the photo was eventually framed as a war between uptight virgins and godless heathens, with a quieter contingent astounded only by the fact that this kind of marketing could still be so effective.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
The regulars chuckled, the virgins-no-more cheered and, after some ground rules, the shuttle was off.
—Kylie Volavongsa, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virgins
Noun
-
Game after game, stadiums were filled to capacity, packed not only with tourists and die-hard fans but also with soccer novices who came out of curiosity and because tickets were relatively affordable, according to soccer historians.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
9 May 2026
-
Both of the Broadway novices are proudly bearing souvenirs of other passion projects.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
However, Origin may be overkill for beginners or anyone looking for a basic budgeting app with a minimal interface.—
Amy DeYoung,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
-
Replit has broad reach across beginners, educators and enterprises alike.—
Rebecca Fannin,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets construction apprentices during a visit to London South Bank Technical College on May 12, 2026 in London, England.—
Frank Andrews,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
-
Arthur Bryant’s and Gates Bar-B-Q, whose origins can be traced back to Henry Perry through his apprentices decades ago.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
A lot of the other seniors on this team were on varsity or JV as freshmen that year.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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The women’s team looks to have mostly transfers while the men’s team will feature eight freshmen.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Staff is super attentive and happy to break down the menu to newcomers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
After the game, roughly half of the Inter Miami players, mostly newcomers and younger players, went over toward the North stands, applauded and paid tribute to La Familia.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Last week, the mailbag named Hall, cornerback DeVonta Smith and offensive lineman Isaia Glass as the three undrafted rookies with the best shots at the 53-man roster.—
Mike Kaye
Updated May 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2026
-
There’s a collection of experienced players who will be paired with NFL veterans likely getting their last legitimate chance to become NFL starters, if not contributors, and rookies looking to make a name for themselves.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Virgins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virgins. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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