plural rookies
chiefly US
1
: a first-year player in a professional sport
There are three rookies in the starting lineup.
—often used before another nouna rookie quarterback
This is his rookie season. [=his first season playing]
2
: a person who has just started a job or activity and has little experience : beginner
an experienced policeman whose partner is a rookie
—often used before another nouna rookie cop
Cite this Entry
“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rookie. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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