neophyte

/ˌniəˈfaɪt/

Other forms: neophytes

A neophyte is someone who's brand new at something. You're a neophyte the first time you pick up a guitar and start learning to play.

Neo- means new, and -phyte is from the Greek phuton, "plant" — like a baby plant, a neophyte is someone who is new to an activity. In Greek, neophytos (literally "newly planted") was used to refer to a new church convert. A political neophyte is someone who is newly elected and comes to Washington D.C. not understanding how the game of politics is played. A Frisbee neophyte is someone who has just thrown the disc for the first time.

Definitions of neophyte

1. noun

   a participant with no experience with an activity
   synonyms: entrant, fledgeling, fledgling, freshman, newbie, newcomer, starter

   types:

   enlistee, recruit

   any new member or supporter (as in the armed forces)

   type of:

   beginner, initiate, novice, tiro, tyro

   someone new to a field or activity
2. noun

   a new convert being taught the principles of Christianity by a catechist
   synonyms: catechumen

   type of:

   educatee, pupil, student

   a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
3. noun

   a plant that is found in an area where it had not been recorded previously
   type of:

   flora, plant, plant life

   (botany) a living organism lacking the power of locomotion