rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇-kē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
Synonyms of rookienext
1
: recruit
also : novice
2
: a first-year participant in a major professional sport

Examples of rookie in a Sentence

There are three rookies in the starting lineup. an experienced policeman whose partner is a rookie
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Three snaps later, rookie Kaelon Black ran up the middle and put on a spin move after a couple of yards. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 Edouard Julien, a key cog in the 2023 team as a rookie, was sent to Colorado in a minor league swap. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026 Dallas Wings rookie guard Azzi Fudd, coming off her best game of the season, a 24-point effort in a win over the New York Liberty, got the first start of her WNBA career against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday at College Park Center. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 The former Arizona standout had a subpar rookie season. Miami Herald, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of recruit

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rookie was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rookie. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

rookie

noun
rook·​ie ˈru̇k-ē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
: beginner, recruit
especially : a first-year player in a professional sport

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