greenhorn

[ green-hawrn ]

noun

1. an untrained or inexperienced person.
2. a naive or gullible person; someone who is easily tricked or swindled.
3. Slang. a newly arrived immigrant; newcomer.

greenhorn

/ ˈɡriːnˌhɔːn /

noun

1. an inexperienced person, esp one who is extremely gullible
2. a newcomer or immigrant

Other Words From

• greenhornism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of greenhorn¹

1425–75; late Middle English; green, horn; originally applied to cattle with green (i.e., young) horns

Word History and Origins

Origin of greenhorn¹

C17: originally an animal with green (that is, young) horns

Example Sentences

They include seasoned politicians, an activist, greenhorn or two and others.

From Los Angeles Times

Karla: Gather round, greenhorns, and let me tell you a story from the late 1900s.

From Washington Post

So to Ellis last August went a greenhorn trainer, Hamilton, then 28.

From Washington Post

Jenkins isn’t some greenhorn fresh to the world of money and crime.

From Washington Post

By the time Jacob turned 2, Tony had put a ball in his son’s hands and was watching his greenhorn grow.

From New York Times