novice

American  

[nov-is] / ˈnɒv ɪs /

noun

1. a person who is new to the circumstances, work, etc., in which they are placed; beginner; tyro.

   The new senator was a novice in politics.

   Synonyms:

   newcomer, neophyte, greenhorn, beginner

2. a person who has been received into a religious order or congregation for a period of probation before taking vows.

   Synonyms:

   neophyte

3. a person newly become a church member.

4. a recent convert to Christianity.

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novice British  

/ ˈnɒvɪs /

noun

1. 1. a person who is new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner; tyro

   2. ( as modifier )

      novice driver

2. a probationer in a religious order

3. a sportsman, esp an oarsman, who has not won a recognized prize, performed to an established level, etc

4. a racehorse, esp a steeplechaser or hurdler, that has not won a specified number of races

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Other Word Forms

• novicehood noun
• novicelike adjective

Etymology

Origin of novice

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English novyce, from Middle French novice, from Medieval Latin novītius “convent novice,” variant of Latin novīcius “newly come into a particular status,” derivative of novus new. See -itious

Example Sentences

The investing novice says the market always comes back.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Crokes Cross made her British debut in the two-mile novice hurdle at Kelso on Thursday, coming first with odds of 300-1.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

After years of working in his garden, the former novice has figured out what grows well in his yard’s different spots.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The bespectacled middleman started at Dubai-based commodities firm Coral Energy as a novice trader in 2014.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

It would be a daunting task for a veteran general much less a military novice.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• beginner
• learner
• neophyte
• newcomer
• pupil
• trainee