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

He has been an apprentice printer, print journalist, university lecturer, researcher and played a prominent role in the early days of housing associations in Wales.

From BBC

Businesses need more incentives from the government to take on apprentices, a Belfast mother has said.

From BBC

Ferguson Marine employs about 300 workers and apprentices in an area which has high levels of deprivation.

From BBC

Yet it's those workers and apprentices who now face an uncertain future.

From BBC

Matt Gray, who is Meadowhall's head of property services, started out as an eager electrical apprentice at the age of 17.

From BBC

Related Words

• pupil