apprentice

1 of 2

noun

ap·​pren·​tice ə-ˈpren-təs 

often attributive

1

a

: one bound by indenture (see indenture entry 1 sense 1a(3)) to serve another for a prescribed period with a view to learning an art or trade

b

: one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling

a carpenter's apprentice

compare journeyman sense 1, master entry 1 sense 1c

2

: an inexperienced person : novice

an apprentice in cooking

apprentice

2 of 2

verb

apprenticed; apprenticing

transitive verb

: to set at work as an apprentice

especially : to bind to an apprenticeship by contract or indenture

intransitive verb

: to serve as an apprentice

Synonyms

Noun

• adjunct
• adjutant
• aid
• aide
• assistant
• coadjutor
• deputy
• helper
• helpmate
• helpmeet
• lieutenant
• mate
• sidekick

Examples of apprentice in a Sentence

Noun

decided to be an apprentice to an electrician after he graduated

aware that she's only an apprentice in the medical field, she readily defers to her more experienced colleagues

Verb

He apprenticed with a master carpenter for two years.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Harris on Monday also spent about 20 minutes touring a labor union training facility in Warren where apprentices learn a range of skills such as glass fitting and industrial painting. —Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 29 Oct. 2024

Hoy, who early in her career landed roles as an actor in Altman’s McCabe and Mrs. Miller, California Split, Nashville and 3 Women, became an editing apprentice on Altman’s Buffalo Bill and the Indians. —Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024

Verb

Cotton apprenticed with McNamara, who put the small town of Nazare, Portugal, on the map by surfing what was estimated to be a 78-foot wave there in 2011, at the time a world record. —Jim Clash, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

One of Japan’s few top actors to cross over to Hollywood in a major way, Sanada began performing in Tokyo nearly 60 years ago as a child actor, apprenticing under local screen legend Sonny Chiba. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English aprentis, from Anglo-French apprentiz, from aprendre to learn, from Latin apprendere, apprehendere — see apprehend

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing apprentice

• seaman apprentice

Kids Definition

apprentice

1 of 2 noun

ap·​pren·​tice ə-ˈprent-əs 

: a person who is learning a trade or art by experience under a skilled worker

apprentice

2 of 2 verb

apprenticed; apprenticing

: to set at work as an apprentice