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

Derived 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

Explanation

If you're a novice at snowboarding, you're just learning the sport. On the Internet, a novice might be called a newbie, but your parents would call one a beginner. Novice is derived from the Latin word novus, which means new. A novice is new to what they do, so a novice photographer is just learning how to take nice pictures. Other words related to novice are novel "new, unusual," and innovate "to invent, begin with new ideas." Novice can also mean a member of a Christian order who has not yet taken their vows.

Example Sentences

The novice cook decides every condiment ought to be made from scratch.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

That did not prevent the political novice from being elected on the Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Whether you are a veteran investor, a novice or a trader, it is useful to be reminded of fundamental principles that can help you to stay disciplined as you build wealth.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

As a novice motorman he was once confused by the glaring beams; “red lights shone in front of me like the rifle barrels of an approaching platoon.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

She was counted among the S.O.B.—Souls On Board—when the lads took off, but she certainly wasn’t authorized to be there coaxing along the novice bombing crews as they practiced low flying over the high moors.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

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