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.
The two overlapped in Miami for one season in 2018 when Johnson was the Dolphins wide receivers coach and Smythe was a rookie. Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 While the 6-foot-4, 291-pound Fiske was already expected to play a major role for the Rams as a starter during his rookie season, the 24-year-old emerged as one of the top rookies in the NFL, finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 The other four rookie drivers secured a DNF following multiple crashes caused by challenging weather conditions. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025 The rookies are Peskov and Ayers, who became the first member of the 2021 astronaut class to make it to space. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rookie. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

rookie

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rookie

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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