rookie

noun

rook·​ie ˈru̇-kē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
Synonyms of rookienext
1
: recruit
also : novice
2
: a first-year participant in a major professional sport

Synonyms of rookie

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But with the Heat in search of offense and outside shooting, Heat rookie guard Ryan Conwell was called on to play the first meaningful minutes of his NBA career. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026 He is expected to start next to rookie Jaishawn Barham in the second level of the defense. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, rookie CJ Daniels and Alex Bachman are other receivers on the roster. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 In the seventh, reliever Steven Matz issued a leadoff walk to Brewers rookie Cooper Pratt after getting ahead 1-2 in the count. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of recruit

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rookie was in 1868

Rhymes for rookie

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Browse Nearby Words

rookery
rookie
rookus
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Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rookie. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rookie

noun
rook·​ie ˈru̇k-ē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
: beginner, recruit
especially : a first-year player in a professional sport
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