What does "beginner" mean?

1. (a learner) someone who is just starting to learn a skill or hobby. 2. (theatre) an actor who needs to be on stage at the very start of a play or a scene.

How do you use "beginner"?

Often used in the plural 'beginners' as a call from the stage manager.

beginner

US //bɪˈɡɪnɝ// UK //bɪɡˈɪnɐ// be·gin·ner

1 a learner (n.)
A2 Elementary

someone who is just starting to learn a skill or hobby.

a person who has just begun to learn a skill or participate in an activity; a novice.

Example

The yoga class is perfect for a beginner because the teacher explains every move slowly.

Example

Even a complete beginner can produce a functional piece of pottery during the introductory weekend workshop provided they follow the basic safety protocols.
2 theatre (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

an actor who needs to be on stage at the very start of a play or a scene.

an actor who is present on stage at the commencement of a performance or act.

Example

The stage manager called 'beginners to the stage' five minutes before the curtain went up.

Example

The director spent the final dress rehearsal ensuring that the beginners were correctly positioned behind the curtain to avoid any shadows being cast.

Usage

Often used in the plural 'beginners' as a call from the stage manager.

Teacher's tip

This is a highly specialised term; outside of a theatre, 'beginner' always refers to a novice.

Origin

From Middle English begynner, equivalent to begin + -er. Cognate with West Frisian begjinner (“beginner”), Dutch beginner (“beginner”), Low German begünner (“beginner”), Danish nybegynder (“beginner, novice”, literally “new-beginner”).