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: neophyte, greenhorn, beginner, newcomer

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 Words From

• nov·ice·hood noun
• nov·ice·like 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

A tenant rights attorney and political novice, Jurado also overcame a self-inflicted wound after being caught on a recording saying “F— the police.”

From Los Angeles Times

Also featured is Mekki Leeper, who wrote and starred in “Jury Duty,” as Matt, a novice RN who grew up in a Montana religious community “that doesn’t believe in ‘medicine’ ” ; as the just-arriving character, he’s idealistic, because he’s naive, and will have much to learn.

From Los Angeles Times

The political novice will be the first Filipino American on the council.

From Los Angeles Times

While Robinson was a union novice, Suaalii was a prodigy in the code.

From BBC

While the outfit went viral on TikTok and Instagram, Mozejewski said he got called out a bit by some graffiti artists who called his attempts at mimicry “toy,” meaning kind of novice.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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