rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇-kē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
1
: recruit
also : novice
2
: a first-year participant in a major professional sport

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Michael Jordan was drafted to the NBA in 1984 and the Air Jordan’s debuted during his rookie season, on April 1, 1985. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 Nov. 2024 In the third quarter against the Falcons, the Broncos faced a second-and-goal from Atlanta’s 7-yard line when quarterback Bo Nix quickly threw a screen pass to Denver’s rookie wide receiver — and Meinerz turned into a bully. Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 19 Nov. 2024 Trailing the Green Bay Packers 20-19 late in the fourth quarter, Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led a seven-play, 42-yard drive to set up a possible game-winning field goal. Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2024 The Seahawks’ linebacker corps has undergone a radical, in-season makeover, with last month’s trade for Ernest Brown IV and Tuesday’s release of leading tackler Tyrel Dodson, who’ll be replaced by rookie Tyrice Knight. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rookie 

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of recruit

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rookie was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near rookie

Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rookie. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rookie

noun
rook·​ie ˈru̇k-ē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
: beginner, recruit
especially : a first-year player in a professional sport

More from Merriam-Webster on rookie

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!