novice

[nov-is]

noun

1. a person who is new to the circumstances, work, etc., in which they are placed; beginner; tyro.

   The new senator was a novice in politics.

   Synonyms: newcomer, neophyte, greenhorn, beginner

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

   Synonyms: neophyte

3. a person newly become a church member.

4. a recent convert to Christianity.

novice

/ ˈnɒvɪs /

noun

1. 1. a person who is new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner; tyro

   2. ( as modifier )

      novice driver

2. a probationer in a religious order

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

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

Other Word Forms

• novicehood noun
• novicelike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of novice¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of novice¹

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

Example Sentences

Still, the novice remains one of boxing's biggest commercial attractions, regularly earning huge paydays.

Read more on BBC

"Jake Paul is a terrific novice. He's a great novice in a weight division below - cruiserweight - and that's what he is: a novice. But he's a novice who conjures up these ridiculous fights."

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Maybe we need a new securities test, or at least a way to tip off novices about whether they’re building wealth or betting it.

Read more on Barron's

Despite being a political novice, she now has a seat in parliament, after last year's general election, and is an influential figure in the party despite holding no official position.

Read more on BBC

Pros and novices alike favor Facebook Marketplace for low-lift sales—keeping things local streamlines the process and spares you the packaging tape.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• beginner 
• learner 
• neophyte 
• newcomer 
• pupil 
• trainee