# 'prentice

/ˈpɹɛntɪs/ (US) · /pɹˈɛntɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prentice
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a shorter, old-fashioned way to say 'apprentice'. It refers to a young person who is learning a trade or skill from an experienced worker.

For teachers: An aphesised form of 'apprentice' — a person legally bound to a master to learn a craft or trade. Primarily encountered in historical literature or folk songs.

## Examples

- The young 'prentice worked hard in the blacksmith's shop.
- In the old ballad, the 'prentice falls in love with his master's daughter despite their different social classes.
- The historical novel vividly depicts the life of a London 'prentice, from the early morning chores to the strict discipline enforced by the guild masters.

## Usage notes

- The initial apostrophe marks the omission of the first syllable of 'apprentice'.

---

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.