tyro
Americannoun
plural
tyrosnoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tyro
First recorded in 1605–15, tyro is from the Latin word tīrō “recruit”
Explanation
A tyro is a beginner, a new recruit, or someone who is just learning something. If you are the new guy at the job and you're wearing a big badge that says "Trainee" on it, you are a tyro. Tyro isn't used much these days but it's similar to newbie, novice, or recruit. We have all been tyros at some point. Tyro can also be used as an adjective to describe someone new to a particular scene — such as "the tyro congressman" or "the tyro quarterback."
Vocabulary lists containing tyro
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
I'm New Here...
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 33
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Previous Lincoln scholars have treated the Lyceum Speech more as an outburst than an oration, at best the overwrought declamation of a gifted tyro.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025
He's there and his battle with the brilliant tyro Fin Smith for Test starts will be exhilarating.
From BBC • May 8, 2025
I didn’t see that coming — not that a mystery tyro like me ever sees anything coming on this show.
From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2023
Grammar and pronunciation Telltale tyro signs include adding definite articles to freeway names.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 30, 2023
“Tyro to ground, tyro to ground,” came the call from the training aircraft.
From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
