rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇-kē 

1

: recruit

also : novice

2

: a first-year participant in a major professional sport

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• apprentice
• babe
• beginner
• colt
• cub
• fledgling
• freshman
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• newbie
• newcomer
• novice
• novitiate
• punk
• recruit
• rook
• tenderfoot
• tyro
• virgin

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

In late October, the Los Angeles Lakers ran an action for rookie wing Dalton Knecht early in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns. —Jovan Buha, New York Times, 3 May 2025

With Principal Rooney hellbent on taking down his latest lie, will Bueller play hooky like a pro or make a rookie mistake? —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 May 2025

UConn star Paige Bueckers embraces new beginning, country vibes as rookie face of the Dallas Wings Former UConn star Paige Bueckers looks to lead a fresh start for the Dallas Wings in 2025 after going No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2025

The film stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as competing F1 drivers, one a veteran looking for redemption and the other a rookie with a chip on his shoulder. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 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