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

From its HQ in Gloucester, Clarkson Evans trains 300 apprentices in all aspects of electrical work.

Read more on BBC

There will also be some special sketches on the night, including an appearance from Lord Sugar, who will be grilled in the boardroom by some budding junior apprentices.

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Since then, Centrica has taken on 1,700 apprentices and has committed to taking on one more every day for this decade at least.

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Perhaps he can make that case to his young apprentice.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He documented his rise—from a printer’s apprentice when he was 12 to a self-employed printer and publisher, inventor, diplomat and statesman—blending his personal history with advice about the virtues of work.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• pupil