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:
"To be a beginner swimmer, you are humbled by the water," he says.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
Now that you are familiar with beginner balance exercises, try these powerful — and impactful — plyometric exercises for improving balance.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
“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
“I was in beginner band, sixth grade, playing for a crowd of legendary grandparents. I sounded horrible. They gave me pity claps.”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
For beginners, the NHS Couch to 5K programme offers a free nine-week plan designed to gradually build fitness and help people run five kilometres without stopping.
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
For beginners, Papas recommends sticking to bike paths and joining cycling groups.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026
The waters off Jetties Beach and Steps Beach, both open to the public, are generally calm, ideal for beginners and families.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026
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
Maybe not as big as the last party, but definitely not one for beginners.
From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher
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.
