Meaning & use

greenhorn

noun·Everyday

Last updated

a person who is new to a job, activity, or situation and lacks experience.

See it in a sentence

As a greenhorn on the construction site, he was given the simplest tasks first.

The veteran sailors teased the greenhorns for getting seasick on their first voyage.

A note on using this word

Often used with a slightly teasing or condescending tone, especially by people who see themselves as more experienced.

Words with a similar meaning

novicerookiebeginner

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Words with an opposite meaning

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