beginner

American  

[bih-gin-er] / bɪˈgɪn ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that begins.

2. a person who has begun a course of instruction or is learning the fundamentals.

   swimming for beginners.

3. a person who is inexperienced; novice.

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beginner British  

/ bɪˈɡɪnə /

noun

1. a person who has just started to do or learn something; novice

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Etymology

Origin of beginner

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at begin, -er ¹

Explanation

A beginner is someone who's brand new at something. In swimming lessons, a beginner practices putting her face in the water and blowing bubbles. If you're a beginner, you're a novice or an amateur — in other words, you're still learning. When you're learning to drive, you're a beginner and probably need the help of an instructor while you drive carefully around your neighborhood. A beginner at speaking French might be able to say a few phrases and know some basic vocabulary words. The earliest meaning of beginner, from the 14th century, was "founder," or "person who establishes an institution."

Example Sentences

Beginner teachers make about $63,000, and salaries top out at $123,500 for a teacher with a Ph.D.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2022

On Friday evening, Julio Jean teaches Absolute Beginner Afro-Haitian Dance, and Vado Diomande leads a more advanced class in dance from the Ivory Coast.

From New York Times • Jul. 1, 2021

With the demand for well-crafted alternatives to traditional primers established, he expanded his duties, co-founding the imprint Beginner Books.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 5, 2019

Beginner and experienced fly fishermen alike can join Snowhite and the Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders fishing club at 7 p.m.

From Washington Post • Feb. 6, 2018

Fans of ferns could choose from among dozens of best-selling titles, including Frondson’s Pteridomania for the Beginner, with a Preface on Spores by Dr. Ward.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• learner
• neophyte
• newcomer
• novice