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

Murphy’s start began the same way friend and fellow Braves rookie JR Ritchie’s debut did, with a leadoff home run. — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 19 July 2026

Starter Gage Jump, the hard-throwing rookie left-hander, has been a bright spot in an increasingly dreary A’s season. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

And from there, the rookies will all meet up in Surprise, Arizona, before beginning rookie ball in the Arizona Complex League. — Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

The 24-year-old brother of a rookie NYPD cop was shot in the eye and killed inside a Harlem apartment early Saturday, police said. — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 18 July 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