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

From skipping compression socks to forgetting a backup battery, the same rookie errors show up again and again—and each one has a simple, often affordable fix. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026

Nyanin wasn’t made available during Friday’s rookie introduction of Suarez and fellow second-round pick Ashlon Jackson. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026

Replacing Sullivan was no easy feat, but the rookie coach has become a stabilizing presence behind the bench despite his relative inexperience. —Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026

On Saturday afternoon at American Airlines Center, rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt will start Game 1 of the best-of-seven playoff series versus Dallas, as Minnesota coach John Hynes rides the hot hand into the postseason. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 17 Apr. 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