novice

American  

[nov-is] / ˈnɒv ɪs /

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.

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novice British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• novicehood noun
• novicelike adjective

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

Currently, novice motorists can book a practical test as soon as they have passed a theory exam.

From BBC

Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, by contrast, was a novice candidate who ran for governor on a whim.

From Los Angeles Times

"We don't want novice hikers going up and hurting themselves."

From BBC

Wiseman is a political and diplomatic novice, and takes on the role of Canada’s ambassador in D.C. at a time of elevated uncertainty about Canada’s longstanding economic ties with the world’s largest economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Somehow he talked his way into fighting an Olympic gold medallist and former heavyweight champion in Joshua, despite being a novice cruiserweight.

From BBC

Related Words

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