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

Beal missed his rookie season with a shoulder injury and opted out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns, the outlet reported. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026

Ezeiruaku, 22, was a second-round draft pick out of Boston College in 2025 and appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, including nine starts. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026

The proposal would also financially pay star young players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, who are all still on their rookie contracts, nearly double the league minimum. —Doug Feinberg, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 2026

Ezeiruaku, a second-round pick from Boston College, finished his rookie season with 2 sacks, 40 tackles and 12 quarterback hits in 12 games. —Arkansas Online, 13 Jan. 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