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

Colapinto’s arrival in January to much fanfare naturally seemed to put pressure on rookie Doohan, who is just one race into his F1 career after his late-season debut in Abu Dhabi last year. —Luke Smith, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

Holland played under defensive coordinator Brian Flores during his rookie season in 2021 and that was an excellent season with 69 tackles, 10 passes defensed and 2.5 sacks. —Steve Silverman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Last month, six massage therapists employed at high-end spas said Tucker exposed himself repeatedly during a span of four years, including his rookie season, when the Ravens won the Super Bowl. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025

Because while Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis (1-of-6 from three) and Ball’s hesitation at the buzzer bailed the Knicks out on Thursday, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White won’t. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 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