English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

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."
verb
1
To place someone with a skilled worker to learn a trade.
"His parents apprenticed him to a local carpenter."

How to Use Apprentice

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word Forms

apprenticed past tense, apprentices plural, apprentices singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “apprentice” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She started as a plumber's _____ at sixteen.

Etymology

From Old French aprentis, related to apprendre, "to learn" — from the same root as apprehend.

Origin: Old French

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.

Featured In

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial