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.
After committing a throwing error on a pickoff attempt that advanced the potential tying run to second base, O'Brien fanned rookie Cole Carrigg to end it. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 The hope is that Taaffe and the rookies keep that same energy throughout the season. — Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 Then Elliss watched the running back sit through every special teams meeting during his rookie year. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Neal gained a season-high 70 yards on 19 carries in a 24-20 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 7 of his rookie season. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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