novice

[ nov-is ]

/ ˈnɒv ɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR novice ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a person who is new to the circumstances, work, etc., in which he or she is placed; beginner; tyro: a novice in politics.

a person who has been received into a religious order or congregation for a period of probation before taking vows.

a person newly become a church member.

a recent convert to Christianity.

Nearby words

novercal, novgorod, novi, novi sad, novia, novice, novillero, novio, novitiate, novo hamburgo, novobiocin

Origin of novice

1300–50; Middle English novyce < Middle French novice < Medieval Latin novītius convent novice, variant of Latin novīcius newly come into a particular status, derivative of novus new. See -itious

SYNONYMS FOR novice

1 newcomer.

1, 2 neophyte.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR novice ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

nov·ice·hood, nounnov·ice·like, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for novice

Being a novice Syrian War watcher, I assumed the regime had returned in force.
Watching ISIS Come to Power Again|Elliot Ackerman|September 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For novice and fitness-enthusiasts alike, the Amiigo's intelligent pattern recognition alleviates a major headache at the gym.
Amiigo Tracker Pairs Data With Deadlifts|Gregory Ferenstein|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
What was the material of the novice habit, what kind of incense did they inhale, what was on the plate at dinner.
Historical Fiction: A Conversation Between Bruce Holsinger and Nancy Bilyeau|Nancy Bilyeau, Bruce Holsinger|March 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For a novice sailor to keep the ship safe for so long in those conditions was remarkable.
How John Lennon Rediscovered His Music in Bermuda|The Telegraph|November 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST

We found many teachers who were already on top of their game, or teachers who were far too novice.
Davis Guggenheim Wants to Know, ‘What is a Teacher?’|Caitlin Dickson|September 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
We have just heard that Fritz has finished his first month of probation, and has been invested with the frock of the novice.
Chronicles of the Schonberg-Cotta Family|Elizabeth Rundle Charles
The novice is therefore cautioned not to use this ammunition until the difficulty of rusting is overcome.
Pistol and Revolver Shooting|A. L. A. Himmelwright
Some other of our Augustinian brothers will take charge of completing the education of the novice, somehow or other.
The Pocket Bible or Christian the Printer|Eugne Sue
The second series of folderies to which the novice was initiated concerned themselves with his bedding.
Observations of an Orderly|Ward Muir
He opened on the novice with something quite wide of the mark he was really aiming at.
The Cloister and the Hearth|Charles Reade

British Dictionary definitions for novice

novice

/ (ˈnɒvɪs) /

noun

a person who is new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner; tyro
(as modifier)novice driver

a probationer in a religious order

a sportsman, esp an oarsman, who has not won a recognized prize, performed to an established level, etc

a racehorse, esp a steeplechaser or hurdler, that has not won a specified number of races

Word Origin for novice

C14: via Old French from Latin novīcius, from novus new

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