newcomer

"Newcomer" is a straightforward and very useful word with two closely related senses — both revolving around the idea of being new to a place or situation. It is always a noun.

1nounperson new to a place

A newcomer is someone who has recently arrived in a place — a city, a country, a school, or a neighborhood. They are new there and are still getting used to things around them.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

As a newcomer to the city, she didn't know which bus to take.

The school organized a welcome event for newcomers joining at the start of the year.

Many newcomers to the country find it hard to navigate the local bureaucracy.

2nounperson new to an activity or field

A newcomer can also be someone who has just started doing something — a job, a sport, a hobby, or an industry. They are a beginner or someone without much experience yet.

everyday language, professional contexts · Modern, widely used

He is a newcomer to politics, having never held office before.

The award is given to the best newcomer in the music industry each year.

Even as a newcomer to chess, she managed to beat several experienced players.