novice

[ nov-is ]

See synonyms for: novice novices on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.
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.

Origin of novice

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

Other words for novice

1	beginner, greenhorn, neophyte, newcomer
2	neophyte

See synonyms for novice on Thesaurus.com

Other words from novice

nov·ice·hood, noun
nov·ice·like, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use novice in a sentence

Fans and novices soon became swept up in the movement, tracing each work like buried treasure.
Catch Him If You Can: Reliving Banksy’s New York Invasion | Alex Suskind | November 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Her masterclasses were designed to provide taxidermy novices a taste of the more immersive experience she normally teaches.
Edible Taxidermy: It’s a Good Thing | Lizzie Crocker | August 5, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Though the attendees varied from whiskey enthusiasts to novices, most said they liked the rye best.
Why Rye Is The Nation's Spirit, And Why No One Can Get It | Kayleigh Kulp | July 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
These novices have their pick of seven branches of training: from mechanics to tailoring, electrical work to “kitchen arts.”
Victims No More: Congo’s Badass Women Mechanics | Nina Strochlic | June 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Geared toward both novices and up-and-coming competitors, classes include Sexy Pole Dance Basics or Pole Dance Workout Advanced.
12 Priciest Fitness Classes (Actually Worth the Splurge) | DailyBurn | February 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

Before this seat of justice many poor novices had quailed between spiritual and temporal power.
Balsamo, The Magician | Alexander Dumas
The House is accustomed to a little hesitation in its novices and does not like to be lectured even by an Oxford don.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 152, May 16, 1917. | Various
On entering each sister pays a sum of money to the general funds, and at first lives for a time along with other novices.
Belgium | George W. T. (George William Thomson) Omond
From time to time nuns and novices pass across the stage to the left, on their way to the refectory.
Fifty Contemporary One-Act Plays | Various
Praise the Blessed Mother, in this noble house we need not depend on the novices for anything.
Fifty Contemporary One-Act Plays | Various

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

Origin of 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

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