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.
Tigers rookie Trei Cruz struck in his three at-bats in his major league debut. CBS News, 20 June 2026 Jack Strand, an undrafted rookie with a big frame and strong arm, has flashed — but his profile projects as a practice squad member for this fall. Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 19 June 2026 Making his fifth major league start, the rookie left-hander allowed only Oswald Peraza's two-out double in the fourth. ABC News, 19 June 2026 Miles is the runaway choice for WNBA rookie of the Year, according to oddsmakers, with -2500 odds at this point, and even factors into the MVP race with the fifth-best odds (+2000), trailing Wilson, Bueckers, Plum and Clark. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026 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 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

rookie

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

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