greenhorn

noun

green·​horn ˈgrēn-ˌhȯrn How to pronounce greenhorn (audio)
1
: an inexperienced or naive person
2
: a newcomer (as to a country) unacquainted with local manners and customs

Examples of greenhorn in a Sentence

He's not the most sophisticated businessman you'll ever meet, but he's no greenhorn. go easy on him—he's just a greenhorn and doesn't have all the experience you do
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

Word History

Etymology

obsolete greenhorn animal with green or young horns

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of greenhorn was in 1672

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Cite this Entry

“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenhorn. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

greenhorn

noun
green·​horn -ˌhȯrn How to pronounce greenhorn (audio)
: an inexperienced person
especially : one easily tricked or cheated

More from Merriam-Webster on greenhorn

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