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

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points, hitting six 3-pointers, and the Los Angeles Clippers recovered after blowing a 23-point lead to beat rookie Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks 116-103 on Tuesday night. —CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

Football was Emanuel Wilson’s sanctuary His story, of course, is deeper than that of gloves and rookie cards. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026

Matt Chapman and rookie catcher Daniel Susac each had three hits for the Giants. —ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

Tuesday night, Joel Eriksson Ek scored a goal and two assists, Matt Boldy and Marcus Johansson had a goal and assist each, Vladimir Tarasenko scored the winner and Jesper Wallstedt made 25 saves for his 17th win, establishing a single-season Wild rookie goalie record. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 8 Apr. 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