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:
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
I’d appreciate an explanation that a beginner like me can understand.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 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
“It took patience and perseverance being a beginner again.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026
I asked one of the older girls if she thought épée was a good choice for a beginner, and she said yes.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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
The yoga class is open to all levels, including beginners, but participants must reserve a spot and bring their own mats for both sessions, which will be held inside the museum’s spacious, airy lobby.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 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
Read: Day trading is about to get a lot easier for beginners.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 3, 2026
So there were rank beginners who barely knew the moves, seasoned club players who’d been playing chess all of their lives, and a sprinkling of masters.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
