beginner — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Someone who is just starting at something, or has only recently started.

   Examples

   I'm new to learning Finnish: I'm just a beginner.

2. Someone who sets something in motion.

   Examples

   The beginner of the games lit the ceremonial torch.

   More examples (1)

   This method, it is thought, stands a very good chance of becoming legalized in Maryland, the State which has some fame for being a beginner of things. Maryland received the first telegraphic message in the world; it had the first electric railway in the world, and formed the first steam railway company in America.

3. An actor who is present on stage in the first moments of a play.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   On the stage, the beginners for the first piece had taken their places — the chorus were there, scared but determined, and in the wings waited Harlequin, in the person of Charles Lyall […]

Noun

1. someone new to a field or activity

   Synonyms

   novicetyrotiroinitiate

   Broader terms

   unskilled person

2. a person who founds or establishes some institution

   Synonyms

   founderfounding fatherfather

   Broader terms

   originatorconceivermastermind

   Examples

   George Washington is the father of his country