greenhorn
Greenhorn (noun) means a person who is new to a job, activity, or situation and lacks experience. Example: “As a greenhorn on the ranch, he had a lot to learn about handling cattle.”
How to use greenhorn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone new and inexperienced at something, especially a job.
Word forms
greenhorns plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
As a _____ on the ranch, he had a lot to learn about handling cattle.
Etymology
From Middle English grene horn, originally referring to the fresh horn of a recently killed young animal — "green" here means young or fresh, not the colour.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “greenhorn” mean?
The word “greenhorn” means a person who is new to a job, activity, or situation and lacks experience. In plain terms, someone new and inexperienced at something, especially a job.
How do you pronounce “greenhorn”?
“Greenhorn” is pronounced GREEN-hawrn (/ˈɡɹinˌhoɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “greenhorn” in a sentence?
Here is “greenhorn” used in a sentence: “As a greenhorn on the ranch, he had a lot to learn about handling cattle.”
What part of speech is “greenhorn”?
“Greenhorn” is a noun.
Where does the word “greenhorn” come from?
The word “greenhorn” comes from Middle English. From Middle English grene horn, originally referring to the fresh horn of a recently killed young animal — "green" here means young or fresh, not the colour.