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
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
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
-
None of the skiers killed by the avalanche appear to have been novices.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
-
For seasoned cooks and kitchen novices, cookbook author and nutritionist Robin Miller takes it back to basics with great, family-friendly recipes worth making over and over again.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For beginners, there are four miles of novice trails and three miles of paved trail.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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Group of beginners, hobbyists and professionals who enjoy taking and sharing photos.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Unlike college students, apprentices earn money from day one when completing classroom instruction, often taking classes at night or in short blocks throughout the year.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
2 Mar. 2026
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In 1936, construction of the performance venue was financed by local geishas and their apprentices.—
Leandra Beabout,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Policies requiring freshmen to live in dorms or banning children from campus can make going to college as a parent incredibly difficult and, at times, impossible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
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As freshmen, this group was 16-9, eliminated in the conference quarterfinals, and carried that sting ever since, winning 85 of the last 92, reaching the Final Four the last two seasons.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Now, the ball belongs to Tate, with varsity newcomers in junior Jenna Manfre and freshman Savannah Jones in the mix to help out.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing vie for reps with other newcomers.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Younger drivers rise Last season featured a breakout cast of rookies who now have a chance to take things to the next level.—
Sahil Kapur,
NBC news,
4 Mar. 2026
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In 2025, Dollander did all the things rookies often do at Coors Field.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Virgins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virgins. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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