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: 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.

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 Word Forms

• novicehood noun
• novicelike 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

There’s just too much uninformed, misinformed and self-interested commentary washing about in the investment sphere, too easily accessed by unwary and novice investors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If you’re looking for some creepy baked goods that are not made by novices, “Is It Cake? Halloween” delivers on the hyperrealism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His replacement was a rugby superstar - but a coaching novice.

Read more on BBC

Prosecutors argued that the novice politician had lied about his background and misused campaign funds to finance his lifestyle.

Read more on BBC

Actor Will Arnett has revealed how "scary" it was doing live stand-up comedy as he prepared to play a novice comedian in Bradley Cooper's new movie "Is This Thing On?"

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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