English · Word Candidate

apprentice

/əˈpɹɛntɪs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: apprentices · apprenticing · apprenticed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A trainee, especially in a skilled trade.

Noun

Examples

To this end a well-equipped and keenly-run apprentice training school has been in operation at Eastleigh since 1958 and here apprentices are given a good grounding in a number of trades, followed by a thorough training in the trade to which they become allocated.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

One who is bound by indentures or by legal agreement to serve a tradesperson, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn the art, or trade, in which his master is bound to instruct him.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To put under the care and supervision of a master, for the purpose of instruction in a trade or business.

Verb

Examples

His father had apprenticed him to a silk merchant.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To be an apprentice to.

Verb

Examples

Joe apprenticed three different photographers before setting up his own studio.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “apprentice” mean?

A trainee, especially in a skilled trade.

Is “apprentice” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.