beginner

[bih-gin-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that begins.

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

   swimming for beginners.

3. a person who is inexperienced; novice.

beginner

/ bɪˈɡɪnə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of beginner¹

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

Example Sentences

“Do not take for granted that it’s kind of a beginner mountain climber’s mountain, because there are a lot of hazards up there and especially with weather,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It felt like I had the space to be a beginner, and the space to be ignorant.”

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the surge in popularity, it’s unclear how much a beginner can realistically expect to earn.

From Salon

Back to the main event and the Sunday Beer Bust: We beginners could at least dance with each other and learn to stay out of the better couples’ path.

From Los Angeles Times

This program also runs clinics to teach beginner anglers about fishing ethics, fish behavior, how to use tackle, and how to clean and prepare fish for dinner.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• learner 
• neophyte 
• newcomer 
• novice