first-timer
UK[ˌfɜːst ˈtaɪmə]US[ˌfɜːrst ˈtaɪmər]
n
a person who is doing something or going somewhere for the first time
Morpheme Breakdown
first
timer
first
ordinal number
timer
one who does an action
Etymology
the compound noun "first-timer" is a modern english formation built from native germanic elements. the word "first" descends from the proto-germanic superlative furistaz, meaning "foremost," which itself derives from the proto-indo-European root per- (forward, through). the second element, "timer," is an agent noun from the verb "time," originating from old english tīma (a period, season), from proto-germanic tīmô. the suffix "-er," from old english -ere, is a prolific agent-noun suffix of germanic origin. the literal, compositional meaning "one who is foremost in timing" evolved through common usage to specifically denote a novice or debutant, logically connecting the concept of an initial occurrence ("first time") with the person experiencing it.
Analysis
Structure: first (ordinal number) + timer (one who does an action)
first: from old english fyrst, fierst (foremost, earliest), functioning as an ordinal number modifier.
timer: from the english verb time (to measure or record time) + the agentive suffix -er (one who does something), functioning as a noun-forming element meaning "one who does an action related to time."
Examples
the course is designed to be welcoming for first-timers.
as a first-timer at the conference, she found the orientation session very helpful.
the ski instructor gave special attention to the first-timers in the group.