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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.
Seven games into his rookie season, the Jets were trailing the Dolphins 30-7 in the fourth quarter of a Monday night game. Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025 Amid a comfortable victory in favor of the Lakers, Doncic had a bit of a dust-up with the notable rookie, Jeremiah Fears, which led to double-techs for the two NBA standouts. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025 The Vikings lead the NFL in interceptions (15) and can’t consistently get the ball into the hands of Jefferson, who has been one of the two or three best receivers in the NFL since his rookie season in 2020. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2025 In his stead, Sunday provided another extended look at fourth-round rookie Que Robinson, who had two tackles against the Chiefs in Week 11. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025 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 5 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

rookie

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rookie

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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