apprentice

[uh-pren-tis]

noun

1. a person who works for another in order to learn a trade.

   an apprentice to a plumber.

2. History/Historical.,  a person legally bound through indenture to a master craftsman in order to learn a trade.

3. a learner; novice; tyro.

4. U.S. Navy.,  an enlisted person receiving specialized training.

5. a jockey with less than one year's experience who has won fewer than 40 races.

verb (used with object)

apprenticed, apprenticing 

1. to bind to or place with an employer, master craftsman, or the like, for instruction in a trade.

verb (used without object)

apprenticed, apprenticing 

1. to serve as an apprentice.

   He apprenticed for 14 years under a master silversmith.

apprentice

/ əˈprɛntɪs /

noun

1. someone who works for a skilled or qualified person in order to learn a trade or profession, esp for a recognized period

2. any beginner or novice

verb

1. (tr) to take, place, or bind as an apprentice

Other Word Forms

• apprenticeship noun
• unapprenticed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprentice¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English ap(p)rentis, from Anglo-French, Old French ap(p)rentiz, from unattested Vulgar Latin apprenditīcius, equivalent to unattested apprendit(us) (for Latin apprehēnsus; apprehensible ) + Latin -īcius suffix forming adjectives from past participles, here nominalized

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprentice¹

C14: from Old French aprentis, from Old French aprendre to learn, from Latin apprehendere to _apprehend

Example Sentences

That prompted Sliwa, who was positioned between them, to note that “I’m standing between the architect and apprentice of no cash bail, which has been a disaster.”

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The latest call came from the longtime apprentice to his mentor.

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There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what stage of your apprenticeship you are in.

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The U.S. tech giant also said that it will be providing a grant for a training program to prepare over 160 apprentices for careers in the state’s growing tech and energy sector.

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Edwin Goodman apprenticed with Bergdorf and the two eventually became partners.

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Related Words

• pupil