apprentice
uh-PREHN-tihs
Apprentice (noun) means someone learning a skilled trade by working under an experienced person. Example: “She started as a plumber's apprentice at sixteen.”
noun
1
Someone learning a skilled trade by working under an experienced person.
"She started as a plumber's apprentice at sixteen."
"The apprentice spent the first year just watching and taking notes."
"The bakery took on a new apprentice who is learning how to knead dough."
verb
1
To place someone with a skilled worker to learn a trade.
"His parents apprenticed him to a local carpenter."
"In the old days, a boy might be apprenticed to a blacksmith at twelve."
"The shop owner agreed to apprentice her niece to the best baker in town."
How to use apprentice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA beginner learning a trade on the job, usually under a more experienced worker.
Common pairings
apprentice electrician
serve an apprenticeship
take on an apprentice
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Word forms
- Plural
- apprentices
- Third person singular
- apprentices
- Past tense
- apprenticed
Fill the gap
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She started as a plumber's _____ at sixteen.
Etymology
From Old French aprentis, related to apprendre, "to learn" — from the same root as apprehend.
Related words
Rhymes for apprentice
See all rhymes for apprentice →Frequently asked questions
What does “apprentice” mean?
The word “apprentice” means someone learning a skilled trade by working under an experienced person. In plain terms, a beginner learning a trade on the job, usually under a more experienced worker.
How do you pronounce “apprentice”?
“Apprentice” is pronounced uh-PREHN-tihs (/əˈpɹɛntɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “apprentice” in a sentence?
Here is “apprentice” used in a sentence: “She started as a plumber's apprentice at sixteen.”
What part of speech is “apprentice”?
Depending on how it is used, “apprentice” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “apprentice” come from?
The word “apprentice” comes from Old French. From Old French aprentis, related to apprendre, "to learn" — from the same root as apprehend.
Is “apprentice” a common word?
“Apprentice” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “apprentice” have?
“Apprentice” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone learning a skilled trade by working under an experienced person.
What is the difference between an apprentice and an intern?
An apprentice typically learns a skilled trade, such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, through structured, hands-on training under an experienced worker, often as part of a formal program that leads to certification. An intern usually gains short-term work experience in an office or professional setting, often as a student, without necessarily working toward a trade qualification.
What is the difference between an apprentice and a trainee?
Apprentice usually implies a longer, more formal arrangement tied specifically to learning a skilled trade under a master or experienced worker. Trainee is a broader term that can apply to almost any job or industry, including office and professional roles, not just skilled trades.
Can apprentice be used as a verb?
Yes, apprentice can be used as a verb meaning to place someone with a skilled worker to learn a trade, as in "she was apprenticed to a blacksmith." This verb usage is less common today than the noun form but still appears in historical and formal contexts.
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