noun
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.
“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
Runna said it recently revised its free beginner plans with slow and steady default settings and a simpler interface.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026
Few details are publicly available, but social media posts suggest he was a beginner and was wearing a helmet.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026
Also in the Cairngorms, Glenshee has opened beginner areas with the hope of opening more runs by the weekend.
From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026
A beginner thinks this, despite many hours of painstaking preparation.
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
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.
