First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1apprentice
noun, ap·pren·tice often attributive \ə-ˈpren-təs\
: a person who learns a job or skill by working for a fixed period of time for someone who is very good at that job or skill
Full Definition of APPRENTICE
1
a : one bound by indenture 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
2
: an inexperienced person : novice <an apprentice in cooking>
— ap·pren·tice·ship \-tə(sh)-ˌship, -təs-ˌship\ noun
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Origin of APPRENTICE
Middle English aprentis, from Anglo-French apprentiz, from aprendre to learn, from Latin apprendere, apprehendere
Related to APPRENTICE
Rhymes with APPRENTICE
2apprentice
verb
: to make (someone) an apprentice
: to work as an apprentice
apprenticedapprentic·ing
Full Definition of APPRENTICE
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
See apprentice defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of APPRENTICE
1596
APPRENTICESHIP Defined for Kids
1apprentice
noun ap·pren·tice \ə-ˈpren-təs\
Definition of APPRENTICE for Kids
: a person who is learning a trade or art by experience under a skilled worker
2apprentice
verb
ap·pren·ticedap·pren·tic·ing
Definition of APPRENTICE for Kids
: to set at work as an apprentice <He was apprenticed to a carpenter.>
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