rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇-kē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
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.
The initial plan is to have Teel and Quero split time in their rookie seasons. Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Before his rookie season was over, Pages was a World Series champion. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 And the rookie was a step slow on the defensive end of the court, giving too much space to Fever star Kelsey Mitchell, who finished with a game-high 17 points. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 Since his rookie season, Williams has played in 67 games, with 19 starts. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025 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 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

rookie

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rookie

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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