noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
I’d appreciate an explanation that a beginner like me can understand.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026
He stepped down as co-CEO in 2020 and, in 2024, decided to become a beginner again.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026
Our Sunday folk session has been going for many years and is open to everyone - whether you're a beginner player or an international rock star.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026
“For younger or beginner investors, having parental visibility or approval can be helpful in guiding decision making and reinforcing good habits,” Tobin said.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 26, 2026
I recognize it as one of the beginner worlds in Warcross: Paintbrush Level.
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
For most beginners, taking these few, easy steps can have a significant impact on strengthening your long-term creditworthiness — not to mention building your financial confidence.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026
The small class size — no more than seven students — allows for plenty of one-on-one instruction, and the patient, encouraging teaching style made the experience enjoyable even for beginners.
From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2026
Callaway might be better able to capture the beginners market because it sells a wider price range of products, including affordable club sets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 2026
Their experience ranged from beginners to specialists with up to 40 years in practice.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 26, 2026
Legs bent at the knee, along with the other beginners, I awkwardly advanced down the strip in this position over and over again.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
