noun
Etymology
Origin of beginner
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.
“It took patience and perseverance being a beginner again.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 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
As a beginner, I expected the arms and hands to flail around, knocking the blocks and cups around the room.
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
The app’s own stats show that most users rate themselves as beginner or intermediate.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026
The two women running by with a dog on a leash must think I’m some kind of out-of-shape beginner, but that’s OK.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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.
