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

At 9-5 with a rookie quarterback, a winning mix of kids, journeymen and salary-cap purgatory, this season is already found money — one sack-happy, overachieving honeymoon. —Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Dec. 2024

The rookie quarterback leads the Broncos (9-5) into a critical divisional rematch Thursday as the Chargers (8-6) try to reverse a late-season swoon. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

He's shown flashes of brilliance and extended his rookie record for most consecutive passes without throwing an interception to 286 passes on Monday, but also consistently misses open throws and holds onto the ball too long, leading to big hits. —Evan Bleier, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

The fourth team will consist of players who win the Rising Stars tournament – a competition featuring rookies, sophomores and a selection of G-League players. —Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of recruit

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇k-ē 

: beginner, recruit

especially : a first-year player in a professional sport