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

Ware’s first playoff experience was a rough one, closing his rookie campaign with arguably his worst stretch of the season. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025

This was not the only notable injury on offense for the Packers in Week 9, as rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden was also forced to exit the game with a shoulder injury. —Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025

Ryan and general manager Gina Kingsbury selected a 25-player roster for the first leg of the four-game pre-Olympic series and left a number of veterans home in favor of younger players and straight-up rookies. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons returned to the team facility last week after a four-game absence for what the team described as a family matter. —Pete Sweeney november 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025

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