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

Kimbrel’s dominance continued well beyond his rookie campaign. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Fields departed in the second quarter, replaced by rookie Garrett Nussmeier after leading a drive that produced the first of Butker's three first-half field goals. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Hafley has talked extensively about his refusal to overwhelm rookies, something that explains his unwillingness to cross-train Proctor. — Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

All that in August of his first full professional season — a time when most pro-ball rookies have hit the wall. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 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