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learner

American  
[lur-ner] / ˈlɜr nər /

noun

  1. a person who is learning; student; pupil; apprentice; trainee.

learner British  
/ ˈlɜːnə /

noun

  1. someone who is learning something; beginner

  2. (in South Africa) a school pupil

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of learner

before 1000; Middle English lerner ( e ), Old English leornere; learn, -er 1

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.

In November, the government said the move would allow only learner drivers to book driving tests in plans aimed at reducing long waiting lists and preventing slots being sold at inflated prices.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

In a statement, the Western Cape regional authorities condemned the "senseless act", saying "no learner should ever face danger while travelling to or from school".

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

A self-taught Welsh learner has travelled more than 4,000 miles to sit an exam in the language.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

The government's suggested measures include learner drivers facing a minimum learning period of up to six months between sitting their theory and practical tests.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

I was a slow learner, since no cards of any kind had been played at the Beje.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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.