SKIP TO CONTENT

neophyte

/ˈniəˌfaɪt/
IPA guide

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
    see moresee less
    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
    see moresee less
    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
    see moresee less
    type of:
    flora, plant, plant life
    (botany) a living organism lacking the power of locomotion
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘neophyte'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family