rookie

noun

ˈru̇-kē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
Definition of rookienext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity although a star in his old sport of basketball, he was still just a rookie as far as baseball was concerned

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rookie Lloyd, a third round draft pick in 2024, played just one game his rookie season. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The team is also hopeful Ennis Rakestraw can contribute after missing last season because of shoulder surgery and being limited to eight games as a rookie with hamstring and ankle injuries. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 Opposite Roupp was the Brewers’ rookie right-hander Logan Henderson, who struck out seven and generated 15 whiffs over 5 2/3 scoreless innings. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 July 2026 That’s why Louis Moore, an undrafted rookie who helped Indiana win the national championship last year, and Zayne Anderson, a career special teamer, have just as much of an opportunity to become Miami’s starting safety as anyone else on the roster. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookie
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. freshman
  4. newcomer
  5. apprentice
Noun
  • Knowledgeable bartenders guide novices and obsessives alike, making an overwhelming list feel approachable rather than intimidating.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • With tastings, master classes, wine-and-food pairing seminars, conversations, concerts, and in several cases, auctions, wine festivals offer something for everyone from novice to expert.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • The activity's simplicity means beginners can start light and progress gradually, even using household items for weight.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The property is just a five-minute walk from the Côte des Basques beach (one of the best beginner-friendly surf beaches in the city), and close to the restaurants and bars of the Beaurivage neighborhood (known locally as ‘Bibi’).
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • For high school freshmen, that number was even lower, at just 38% meeting grade level on the English I STAAR exam.
    — Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • During the group panel discussion, Alexander was asked about Georgia coach Kirby Smart and his son Andrew, who is a rising freshman quarterback for the Spartans.
    — Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • Incomplete back-shoulder slot fade to newcomer Jalen Reagor, who slowed down a bit either.
    — Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Scorsese’s lawyers countersued, argued that Afram was a newcomer to the industry with unrealistic expectations.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Jagetz described tattooing as a profession that remains heavily male dominated, where apprentices are frequently expected to tolerate inappropriate behavior because obtaining a license often depends on the person training them.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Pennsylvania touts nearly 150 pre-apprenticeship programs serving 3,200 pre-apprentices.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

rooked
rookie
rookies
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Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookie. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of rookie for Spanish Speakers

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