beginner

noun

be·​gin·​ner bi-ˈgi-nər 

bē-

: one that begins something

especially : an inexperienced person

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• apprentice
• babe
• colt
• cub
• fledgling
• freshman
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• newbie
• newcomer
• novice
• novitiate
• punk
• recruit
• rook
• rookie
• tenderfoot
• tyro
• virgin

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

Take full advantage of the tax code and set yourself up for success with these five small-business tax tips for beginners. —Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

More than 30 coin dealers will have high quality coins for the beginner to advanced collectors. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025

The list below suggests campsites for beginner, intermediate and advanced outdoors explorers. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025

But with a good pasta maker at your service, trust that creating fresh strands is doable for a weeknight dinner—even for a beginner cook. —Alexis Berger, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 May 2025

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