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

The words painted the motion, letting a novice feel it in their own wrists.

From Salon

The 35-year-old, who shot to fame on The Only Way is Essex, is the latest celebrity to take on crossover boxing, made famous by YouTubers – and novice fighters – KSI and Logan Paul.

From BBC

Erika Jasper, a longtime DJ and self-proclaimed “novice producer,” attended the first Audio Affect Series in 2023 and decided to come back because she wanted to build her confidence as a female producer.

From Los Angeles Times

Wilkinson says the improved performance is more important to her than the result, especially with Wales complete novices on the world stage.

From BBC

It is easy to forget Jack Draper is still a Wimbledon novice.

From BBC

Related Words

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