apprentice

[ uh-pren-tis ]

noun

1. a person who works for another in order to learn a trade:

   an apprentice to a plumber.

2. History/Historical. a person legally bound through indenture to a master craftsman in order to learn a trade.
3. a learner; novice; tyro.
4. U.S. Navy. an enlisted person receiving specialized training.
5. a jockey with less than one year's experience who has won fewer than 40 races.

verb (used with object)

, ap·pren·ticed, ap·pren·tic·ing.

1. to bind to or place with an employer, master craftsman, or the like, for instruction in a trade.

verb (used without object)

, ap·pren·ticed, ap·pren·tic·ing.

1. to serve as an apprentice:

   He apprenticed for 14 years under a master silversmith.

apprentice

/ əˈprɛntɪs /

noun

1. someone who works for a skilled or qualified person in order to learn a trade or profession, esp for a recognized period
2. any beginner or novice

verb

1. tr to take, place, or bind as an apprentice

Derived Forms

• apˈprenticeˌship, noun

Other Words From

• ap·pren·tice·ship noun
• un·ap·pren·ticed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprentice¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English ap(p)rentis, from Anglo-French, Old French ap(p)rentiz, from unattested Vulgar Latin apprenditīcius, equivalent to unattested apprendit(us) (for Latin apprehēnsus; apprehensible ) + Latin -īcius suffix forming adjectives from past participles, here nominalized

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprentice¹

C14: from Old French aprentis, from Old French aprendre to learn, from Latin apprehendere to apprehend

Example Sentences

While an apprentice, Ms James said she had built up contacts by meeting funeral directors across Somerset and now ran her own business.

From BBC

Engineering apprentices Charlotte Harber, 18, and Dane Glenn, 21, are among young people building careers at the plant.

From BBC

The separate apprentice rate which applies to eligible people under 19 - or those over 19 in the first year of an apprenticeship – will also increase from £6.40 an hour, to £7.55.

From BBC

Being an apprentice means you usually spend four days a week working, and one day studying for a qualification at work, college, university or online.

From BBC

Employees aged 18 to 20 and apprentices will also see their minimum hourly pay increase.

From BBC

Related Words

• pupil