A learner is someone who is gaining knowledge or developing a skill. Every student in a classroom is a learner, but so is the adult taking piano lessons for the first time, the chef experimenting with a new recipe, and the scientist studying an unfamiliar subject.

Being a learner isn't about age or experience. A professional athlete is still a learner when they work with a coach to improve their technique. A grandmother learning to use a smartphone is a learner. The word emphasizes the process of gaining knowledge rather than how much you already know.

You might hear someone described as a quick learner, meaning they pick up new skills easily, or a lifelong learner, which describes someone who stays curious and keeps learning new things throughout their life. Teachers sometimes talk about different types of learners: some people learn best by reading, others by doing, and others by listening and discussing.

Even someone with decades of experience can still be a learner if they keep trying to grow and improve. A master craftsperson can approach each project as a learner, staying open to new techniques and ideas.