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:
The free evening yoga class is beginner friendly and all levels are welcome.
From Los Angeles Times ● 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
Here are beginner, intermediate and advanced versions of the season’s most popular shapes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 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
For example, an experienced horn or clarinet player can play much higher and lower notes than a beginner.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
If software can handle the basic work once given to new graduates, companies have less incentive to hire beginners who need to learn.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 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
For beginners, Papas recommends sticking to bike paths and joining cycling groups.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026
“The democratization of investing, the access to information on investing for beginners or investing for people who don’t have a lot of capital” is shifting how young people are pursuing financial independence, Jain told MarketWatch.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
The class was for beginners, and Holly introduced the supplies and went over what she’d teach.
From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry
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