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 roster features Acuff, fellow rookies Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp, and second-year players Nique Clifford and Dylan Cardwell. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 Bonilla had shared time at third base with Beltre, who struggled as a rookie but exhibited the potential that resulted in a 21-year career and first-ballot Hall of Fame induction in 2024. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Montreal agreed to re-sign Ivan Demidov to an eight-year, $73 million contract after the 20-year-old Russian forward led all NHL rookies with 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists) last season. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Philadelphia's roster also includes rookie Labaron Philon, Dominick Barlow, Justin Edwards, Adem Bona, Jabari Walker, Dalen Terry and Johni Broome. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 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 free Apple Photos is approachable for photography novices but still powerful enough to satisfy those who want extra control.
    — Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026
  • Authorities say five instructors, five novice tandem jumpers and the pilot died when the Pilatus PC-6 suddenly fell almost vertically near homes after leaving Nancy-Essey airfield.
    — Antonin Utz, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • This summer, attendance grew to more than 500, most of them beginners or amateur climbers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • The limited edition Estes Liberty Star rocket is the perfect model for the job, decked out with a blue and red styling and featuring beginner friendly assembly for an easy setup.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • The pair met in English class on the first day of their freshman year.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • To follow through on this commitment to affordability, the system implemented the Tuition Stability Plan in 2022, which locks in a student’s tuition and systemwide fees at their freshman-year rate for the duration of their undergraduate education.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • In a city whose most iconic statue is a testament to its openness to newcomers, teams from Cape Verde to Paraguay to Congo found local fans and international visitors found compatriots.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Many rural areas in the Midwest had a similar share of immigrants in 1910, but newcomers to the cities tended to be from novel sources like Russia or Italy.
    — Albert Sun, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Across all trades Pennsylvania infamously requires four journeymen per apprentice, as do Maryland and New Jersey.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Guests will hear the shuffle of San Francisco outside the windows, phones ringing, and the lingering voices of apprentices or other clients.
    — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 26 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rookie

Nglish: Translation of rookie for Spanish Speakers

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