rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇-kē 

1

: recruit

also : novice

2

: a first-year participant in a major professional sport

Synonyms of rookie

• novice
• beginner
• freshman
• newcomer
• apprentice

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

The one firm rule is that no compensation in the third or fourth year of a rookie contract can be guaranteed for skill, injury or cap unless all the compensation in the previous year of the contract is guaranteed for the same terms. —Daniel Popper, New York Times, 1 May 2026

The Global Football Auction Part 1 is planned to open May 11, timed ahead of the men’s World Cup, and is led by a 2019-20 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Autographs SuperFractor #72 Erling Haaland signed rookie card (#1/1). —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 1 May 2026

Jokic and his co-star, Jamal Murray, both defended Adelman after the shocking season-ending loss, as hot-seat chatter began to inevitably circulate about the rookie head coach. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 May 2026

Muse, a rookie head coach, led Pittsburgh to a 41-25-16 record and 98 points during the 2025-26 campaign, helping the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season. —Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of recruit

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rookie

• bookie
• cookie

Kids Definition

rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇k-ē 

: beginner, recruit

especially : a first-year player in a professional sport