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 Through the course of rooming together in dorms at rookie minicamp, doing community service work, taking group trips to Braves games and, of course, navigating practices, the Falcons’ rookie class formed a tight bond. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 22 July 2026 In the fifth inning, the 23-year-old rookie infielder hit a foul ball that ricocheted directly into his groin, dropped to his knees in the batter's box, then got back up and reached first base with a hit on the very next pitch. — Angela Haupt, Time, 22 July 2026 Moderated by multimedia journalist Ari Chambers, the discussion will feature South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi and rookie guard Raven Johnson, with additional speakers to be announced. — Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 The makeover won’t exclusively fall to rookies — defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, safety Alohi Gilman and second-year player Nohl Williams have inside track to prominent roles. — Sam McDowell 22, Kansas City Star, 22 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
  • The quick alignment will be a boon to the novice politician, who is simultaneously planning Lindsey Graham’s funeral, serving in his seat via appointment, and launching a snap campaign.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 July 2026
  • The buyers, Jung said, are not simply novice traders chasing online hype.
    — Lee Ying Shan,Blair Baek, CNBC, 20 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • For anyone easing in, resources such as Massachusetts General Hospital and EatingWell offer meal plans and beginner recipes.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • For anyone new to the plan, Massachusetts General Hospital and EatingWell publish sample meal plans and beginner recipes.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Woodring, an All-SEC honoree the past two seasons, has been the Bulldogs’ primary placekicker since the first game of his freshman season, when he was named a Lou Groza Award semifinalist.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • More than 20 students, many of them freshmen, darted around the lush grounds.
    — Avery Stone, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • Charlotte has a growing reputation as a food city, and there’s no shortage of great dining options for newcomers and visitors, along with people in the know.
    — Evan Moore July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • Some are centuries-old grande dames; others are boutique newcomers.
    — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • First introduced in The Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi apprentice finally made her live-action debut in season 2 of The Mandalorian, with Rosario Dawson assuming the role with cool confidence.
    — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
  • With a twist of his hand, Hiddleston takes the audience back in time to meet Avianius, a teenage bronzesmith apprentice, Julia Felix, a bathhouse owner, and an unnamed Praetorian guard.
    — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 22 July 2026
Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

rooked
rookie
rookies
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookie. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rookie

Nglish: Translation of rookie for Spanish Speakers

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