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

The rookies continued to gain comfort, while some of the other members of the Hawks Summer League roster flashed their talent. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 12 July 2026

With Lakers rookie guard Cameron Carr unable to play because of a right thumb contusion, Kaluma took over the scoring role. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Hawthorne won a Super Bowl in his rookie season and played in another in a nine-year career with the Steelers, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. — Jim Barnes july 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2026

Same goes for Knueppel, the runner-up in the NBA’s rookie of the year vote to good buddy and fellow Duke product Cooper Flagg. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 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