ap·pren·tice
ə-ˈpren-təs 
often attributive
1
a
: one bound by indenture (see indenture entry 1 sense 1a(3)) to serve another for a prescribed period with a view to learning an art or trade
b
: one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling
a carpenter's apprentice
compare journeyman sense 1, master entry 1 sense 1c
2
: an inexperienced person : novice
an apprentice in cooking
apprenticed; apprenticing
: to set at work as an apprentice
especially
: to bind to an apprenticeship by contract or indenture
: to serve as an apprentice
Synonyms
Examples of apprentice in a Sentence
Noun
decided to be an apprentice to an electrician after he graduated
aware that she's only an apprentice in the medical field, she readily defers to her more experienced colleagues
Verb
He apprenticed with a master carpenter for two years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2024
An apprentice pilot was also aboard, as an observer.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
Judy Berman, TIME, 27 June 2024
After apprenticing with a long-time rehabber, Myer has refurbished hundreds of homes.
—Kevin Hardy, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for apprentice 
Noun
Also, a Maryland harbor pilot and an apprentice were aboard the ship at the time of the collision, as required by state law.
—Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2024
An apprentice pilot was also aboard, as an observer.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
Verb
While the line cooks went to culinary school, Richie got an education in front-of-house precision, Syd found inspiration in Chicago’s food scene, and pastry prodigy Marcus (Lionel Boyce) apprenticed in Copenhagen.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 27 June 2024
After apprenticing with a long-time rehabber, Myer has refurbished hundreds of homes.
—Kevin Hardy, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for apprentice
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apprentice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near apprentice
Cite this Entry
“Apprentice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apprentice. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apprentice
1 of 2 noun
ap·pren·tice
ə-ˈprent-əs
: a person who is learning a trade or art by experience under a skilled worker
apprentice
2 of 2 verb
apprenticed; apprenticing
: to set at work as an apprentice
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