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

Coming off a win over Tennessee, the Jaguars will continue to force throws to dynamic rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. After two more touchdowns against the Titans, Thomas has five TDs from Jones over the last five weeks. —Scott Phillips, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

Now in the third year of his four-year rookie deal worth $9,241,031, Watson's contract includes a $3,900,750 signing bonus. —Sean Treppedi, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025

Kings rookie Devin Carter made his NBA debut after missing the first 34 games while recovering from shoulder surgery. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 4 Jan. 2025

Rams rookie edge rusher Jared Verse, who was voted to the Pro Bowl, is part of Rams defense that has not given up more than nine points in the last three games against the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets and the Cardinals. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025

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