1. the period of training and preparation for becoming a member of a religious order
Usage: religious
2. a person who is in training to become a member of a religious order; a novice
Usage: religious
3. the state or condition of being new to a particular activity or situation

Examples

• She spent two years in her novitiate before taking her final vows.
• The monastery accepted three new novitiates this year.
• During his novitiate, he studied theology and practiced meditation daily.
• The young novitiate was eager to learn from the experienced sisters.
• Her novitiate in the business world was challenging but rewarding.
• The novitiate period allows candidates to determine if religious life suits them.
• After completing her novitiate, she became a full member of the order.