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
"Trump is no longer a beginner at this point, much less Lula. Since these are experienced diplomats, experienced heads of state, they try to steer away from obstacles that are insurmountable."
From BBC ● May 7, 2026
This casualization of trail running spurred sneaker companies to expand a once-niche footwear category: gravel or road-to-trail shoes, which are being specifically marketed to beginner trail runners.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 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
Other types of music, such as traditional Western African drumming, may have very complex meters that can be difficult for the beginner to identify.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
Like many beginners, I had no idea about the reality of fencing: the rigorousness, the gear, the clientele.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026
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
One guide suggests beginners start with polylactic acid filament, a generally nontoxic material made primarily of cornstarch or sugar cane.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 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
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.
