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

His evolution in the outfield stood out after Bellinger got a glimpse of his potential playing alongside Crow-Armstrong during his first big-league call-up in September 2023, then in his 2024 rookie season. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Even after Cope clanked both, rookie coach Eric Laut – an assistant at Utah State under Jerrod Calhoun the past two seasons – could have probably iced it by having the Texans team intentionally foul USD. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Ryan Conwell is as raw as would be expected with a second-round rookie. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg made a key 3-pointer in overtime and contributed 23 points and eight rebounds. — ABC News, 7 Nov. 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