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

That's a big step toward Verstappen achieving his target of avoiding a first winless season since his 2015 rookie year. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

One play during that drive proved costly for Chiefs rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026

Carolina announced that rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling cleared concussion protocol and now has no game designation for Sunday’s game. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026

Harris, the 2022 NL rookie of the year, didn’t make an error in 141 starts, while his 364 putouts were third in the league. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 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