# apprentice

/əˈpɹɛntəs/ (US) · /ɐpɹˈɛntɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/apprentice
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a trainee in a trade

noun · CEFR B2

someone who works for a master or expert to learn a practical skill or trade.

For teachers: a person employed to learn a skilled trade through practical experience under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

- The young apprentice spent the morning learning how to cut wood from the master carpenter.
- As a plumbing apprentice, he spent four days a week on-site with a mentor and one day at a technical college completing his certifications.

### 2. a beginner

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a person who is new to a subject and does not have much experience yet.

For teachers: an inexperienced person or novice in a particular field of study or activity.

- In the world of politics, he was still an apprentice compared to the older leaders.
- Though a master of the violin, he felt like a mere apprentice when he first attempted to compose an original symphony.

### 3. to place as a trainee

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to send someone to work for a master so they can learn a trade.

For teachers: to bind or assign someone to a master or employer for the purpose of instruction in a craft or business.

- In the past, many children were apprenticed to local bakers or tailors at a young age.
- The family decided to apprentice their eldest son to a reputable printer in the city to ensure he learned a sustainable trade.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice with 'to'.

## Examples

- The young apprentice learned how to fix engines.
- After finishing high school, he became an apprentice at a local bakery to learn the art of pastry.
- The modern apprenticeship system allows the apprentice to gain practical experience on-site while attending technical college one day a week to master the theoretical aspects of the trade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.