rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇-kē 

1

: recruit

also : novice

2

: a first-year participant in a major professional sport

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• apprentice
• babe
• beginner
• colt
• cub
• fledgling
• freshman
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• newbie
• newcomer
• novice
• novitiate
• punk
• recruit
• rook
• tenderfoot
• tyro
• virgin

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

Gardiner fit in on the top line perfectly, putting together an excellent rookie season bested only in points by Sarah Fillier. —Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 17 May 2025

The Fever also announced a direct-to-consumer service in partnership with Endeavor Streaming after Clark’s memorable rookie season and unprecedented viewership of WNBA games in 2024. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025

On Friday, the Padres faced rookie Logan Evans, who was making his fourth start. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025

In the kinetic new underdog sports drama from director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), a retired Formula One racer (Brad Pitt) takes a young rookie prodigy (Damson Idris) under his wing for the Apex Grand Prix team (APXGP). —Ben Rosenstock, Time, 16 May 2025

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