as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity
go easy on him—he's just a greenhorn and doesn't have all the experience you do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of greenhorn
That's a pretty apt casting given that the three other members are greenhorns in terms of major titles.
—
Tim Ellis, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
On the fishing boat, a greenhorn named Steve can’t stop going on about ripping off his own father of 40 grand, the cash still in his car, where he’s been living.
—Tod Goldberg, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2021
Yet even before the Academy-Award winning film provided a boost to a once-fringe sport, Honnold had inspired one important greenhorn to get up from her desk and out onto the rocks: his 58-year-old mother.
—Anita Chabria Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2021
Rick’s crew rescues a greenhorn and her rock truck, and Tony’s team tries an ancient fix to keep his operation afloat.
—Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2021
See All Example Sentences for greenhorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greenhorn
Noun
-
The key takeaway: AI Agents Will Happen The strategy provides elements for sophisticated developers, novice designers, and employees who must find and use agents to improve their workflow.—
-
The massive swells are caused by the deepwater reefs, not recommended for novice surfers or swimmers.—
Noun
-
Look no further than Tommy Gaunt Kitesurfing, located at Anegada Beach Club, to try this adventurous activity; Tommy is a master and makes the experience a breeze even for beginners.—
-
Plant by Number is looking to majorly simplify the gardening process for beginners and master gardeners alike.—
Noun
-
The facility has an on-site training school, which welcomes groups of 10 apprentices at a time and also provides on-the-job training for existing employees, who are 82 percent female and range in age from 18 to 65.—
-
No poaching, only growing Earlier this month, Villasenor started working as a technician apprentice at Gene Butman Ford in Ypsilanti, Michigan.—
Noun
-
The win was the first for Holmes as a starter since his rookie season in 2018.—
-
Matthews’ fastball has averaged 97.1 mph for the Saints, compared to 94.9 mph for the Twins as a rookie last season, and the velocity on his slider and cutter are also up 2-3 mph.—
Noun
-
Meanwhile, Dickinson, Babygirl actor and a relative newcomer to A-list stardom, will debut his feature film Urchin, about a drifter (Frank Dillane) on the streets of London.—
-
The Great Escape festival is held on an annual basis every May in the seaside city of Brighton, and spotlights emerging and rising talent from the U.K. and Ireland as well as international newcomers.—
Noun
-
Redshirt freshman Kaleb Annett was the most active quarterback on the day, throwing for 77 yards and a touchdown on a 6-for-10 throwing performance.—
-
UConn’s incoming freshman class now includes a pair of McDonald’s All Americans in five-star guard Braylon Mullins and four-star center Eric Reibe.—
Cite this Entry
“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share