noun

padawan

PA-duh-won

Padawan (noun) means In the Star Wars fiction, an apprentice training to become a Jedi Knight. Example: “The young padawan followed her master everywhere.”

noun

In the Star Wars fiction, an apprentice training to become a Jedi Knight.

"The young padawan followed her master everywhere."

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 notes

In 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.

· First attested 1999

Class of 1999 padawan joined the language around 1999.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “padawan” mean?

The word “padawan” means in the Star Wars fiction, an apprentice training to become a Jedi Knight. In plain terms, a student or trainee, borrowed from the Star Wars term for a Jedi-in-training.

How do you pronounce “padawan”?

“Padawan” is pronounced PA-duh-won (/ˈpædəˌwɑn/ in IPA).

How do you use “padawan” in a sentence?

Here is “padawan” used in a sentence: “The young padawan followed her master everywhere.”

What part of speech is “padawan”?

“Padawan” is a noun.

Where does the word “padawan” come from?

The word “padawan” dates back to around 1999. 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.

How many meanings does “padawan” have?

“Padawan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in the Star Wars fiction, an apprentice training to become a Jedi Knight.