beginner

Definition

Someone who is just starting at something, or has only recently started.

Etymology

From Middle English begynner, equivalent to begin + -er. Cognate with West Frisian begjinner (“beginner”), Dutch beginner (“beginner”), Low German begünner (“beginner”), Danish nybegynder (“beginner, novice”, literally “new-beginner”).

Example Sentences

• "I'm new to learning Finnish: I'm just a beginner."
• "The beginner of the games lit the ceremonial torch."
• "On the stage, the beginners for the first piece had taken their places — the chorus were there, scared but determined, and in the wings waited Harlequin, in the person of Charles Lyall […]"

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