What does apprentice mean?
An apprentice is a person who learns a trade, craft, or profession under the guidance of a skilled practitioner, typically working for a defined period in exchange for instruction rather than full wages. The term carries strong historical associations with the guild systems of medieval Europe, where young people were formally bound to masters for years of training, but it remains thoroughly modern: electricians, plumbers, chefs, and software developers all commonly begin as apprentices today. By extension, the word can describe any beginner getting to grips with the basics of an activity, as in 'an apprentice magician'. Related forms include 'apprenticeship', the period or program of training itself, and the verb 'to apprentice', meaning to place someone in such training. The word connotes humility, diligence, and the early stages of mastery — a reminder that every expert once started at the bottom of the ladder.
A person who works for a skilled employer for a fixed period in order to learn a trade or craft.
"The master tailor took on two new apprentices that autumn."
To bind someone as an apprentice, or to serve as one; usually used passively.
"He was apprenticed to a printer at the age of fourteen."
Chiefly used in the passive construction 'be apprenticed to'; somewhat formal and more common in British English.
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple trainees within a workshop, firm, or scheme.
"The shipyard employed dozens of apprentices during its heyday."
The word 'apprentice' comes from Latin 'apprehendere' — 'to grasp' — so an apprentice is literally someone trying to get a grip on their trade.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of apprentice
The word 'apprentice' derives from the Old French 'aprentis', from 'aprendre' meaning 'to learn', which traces back to the Latin 'apprehendere', 'to grasp or seize'. It entered English in the Middle English period, around the thirteenth century, alongside the growth of the guild system. Cognates sharing the same Latin root include 'apprehend', 'comprehend', and 'enterprise'.
Related word forms
How apprentice is actually used
The noun is standard and neutral in register; as a verb, 'apprentice' (usually passive: 'was apprenticed to') is somewhat formal and chiefly British in flavor. The extended sense of 'beginner' is informal.
Easily confused with apprentice
An apprentice is the person being trained, while an apprenticeship is the period or system of that training.