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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 The former South Carolina Gamecock only played three games his rookie season, then only 13 in 2022, then only six in 2023. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026 Maybe the Giants will ask rookie off-ball linebacker Arvell Reese to do more on the line of scrimmage, too. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026 That included overcoming injuries to Jose Ramirez, Angel Martínez and rookie Chase DeLauter. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 Miami also had rookie tight end Justin Joly, who is a pass-catching threat, active. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookie
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. freshman
  4. newcomer
  5. apprentice
Noun
  • To a novice taster, sipping out of a plastic Mets carafe, the wine smelled like dry grass and very ripe blackberries.
    — Arthur Holland Michel, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The sizable number of offerings in every box can help bean novices get acquainted with new products and strengthen their bond with favorites.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Events include an 18-hole scramble, beginner’s lessons, trophies, prizes and more.
    — John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Bam Bird Social aims to be a welcoming space for both beginners and longtime players.
    — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Exactly 39 years after the debut of the iconic sitcom, a new sequel series hit Netflix on Thursday, blending a bunch of the beloved returning characters with a fresh class of freshmen.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Standout freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley, who racked up 13 catches, 255 yards, four receiving touchdowns and a punt-return touchdown in his first three games with USC, was listed as doubtful.
    — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • In other news, the fair’s popular Premise sector, which focuses on unusual curatorial displays that hope to broaden our understanding of art history, is expanding this year to include 12 participating galleries, nine of them being newcomers.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The proposal would also require some parents of foreign students to attend Italian language classes, part of Meloni’s push to make newcomers embrace national culture, rules and gender norms.
    — Maria Grazia Murru, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Flynn said an apprentice level technician can take home $40,000 to $60,000, with experienced electricians commanding north of $100,000.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond laboratory research, US officials intend to use the equipment as a training ground for apprentices and university recruits, helping train the next generation of weapons-control specialists.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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