noun
padawan
PA-duh-won
noun
1
In the Star Wars fiction, an apprentice training to become a Jedi Knight.
"The young padawan followed her master everywhere."
2
Informally, any eager beginner or apprentice learning from a more experienced mentor.
"The new intern was treated like the office padawan."
How to Use Padawan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA student or trainee, borrowed from the Star Wars term for a Jedi-in-training.
When to use it
Mostly used jokingly or affectionately outside of Star Wars fandom, e.g. calling a junior colleague a "padawan."
Word Forms
padawans plural
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Etymology
Invented by George Lucas for the Star Wars franchise; the term first appeared in his early manuscripts in the 1970s before reaching cinemas in 1999.