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Definition of greenhorn

greenhorn

/ˈɡriːn.hɔːrn/
green · horn
Plural:greenhorns
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greenhorn Lexical Profile

greenhorn Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who is new to or inexperienced at a particular activity, trade, or environment, or who is naive and easily deceived.

Example

"The seasoned sailors quickly realized that the newest member of the crew was a complete greenhorn who had never been out on the open ocean."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

greengrocer
greengroceries
greengrocery
greenhorn
greenhouse
greenie
greening

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in 15th-century Middle English, the term originally referred to a young ox or deer with newly sprouted, immature ('green') horns, before being extended metaphorically to an inexperienced or naive person.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Greenhorn. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/greenhorn
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