Greenhorn Meaning & Sentence Examples

Greenhorn Definition, Sentence Examples

GREENHORN MEANING – Find out what greenhorn really means. Example sentences of this idiomatic expression can also be found here.

The term “greenhorn” originated in the 15th century and was initially applied to immature bulls and oxen, as well as young calves with underdeveloped horns. Later, during the following century, it began to describe a new group of recruits seeking opportunities, whom people referred to as “green horns.” Over time, the phrase evolved to signify someone lacking experience, easily deceived, or immature.

Throughout its history, “greenhorn” has taken on various definitions and meanings. During the 19th century’s gold rush, it specifically referred to new and inexperienced miners.

Greenhorn Meaning:

a new or inexperienced person.
a naive, gullible, or untrained person.
a person with no experience of something.
a newcomer who is unfamiliar with a place or unaware of local customs and conducts.
someone who can be easily fooled and tricked.

Today, “greenhorn” is used to describe a person who is young, inexperienced, naive, untrained, a beginner, or unfamiliar with a situation or location, making them susceptible to being tricked, cheated, or fooled.