rookie

noun

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

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.
Lock was the only rookie of the group and completed 18 of 40 passes for 208 yards and one interception in a 23-3 loss. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024 Mingo showed some flashes in his rookie season, securing 418 yards on 43 receptions for a 9.7 yards per catch average. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Obviously, that includes the performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels under center. Vincent Frank, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Kansas City nearly had a first down inside the 10-yard line a couple plays earlier, but rookie receiver Xavier Worthy couldn’t keep his feet in bounds on a deep pass. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near rookie

Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rookie. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on rookie

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!