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

After committing a throwing error on a pickoff attempt that advanced the potential tying run to second base, O'Brien fanned rookie Cole Carrigg to end it. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

The hope is that Taaffe and the rookies keep that same energy throughout the season. — Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Then Elliss watched the running back sit through every special teams meeting during his rookie year. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Neal gained a season-high 70 yards on 19 carries in a 24-20 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 7 of his rookie season. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 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