Greenhorn
/ˈɡriːnhɔːrn/noun
A person who is new to or inexperienced at a particular activity.
As a greenhorn in the kitchen, he often burned his food.
Often appears as...
- greenhorn in the field
- greenhorn in the game
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Learning Curve
Greenhorn implies someone is at the beginning of learning something, with much to learn.
Don't be harsh on yourself for the mistakes, every greenhorn goes through this.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
The word 'greenhorn' is casual and may not suit formal or business situations.
At the start-up, we all were greenhorns cracking jokes at meetings.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Negative
'Greenhorn' isn't necessarily an insult, it can simply state a fact.
It's not bad being a greenhorn, as everyone starts somewhere.
Compare with
apprenticebeginnerfreshmaninexperienceneophytenewcomernovicerookietyro
Never forget "Greenhorn"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension