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.
Minnesota Vikings Darnold is a free agent and J.J. McCarthy is coming off knee surgery that forced him to miss his rookie season. Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 He was traded two years later as a minor leaguer for Jonathan Papelbon, made 24 starts as a rookie in 2017 (6.07 ERA) and had a 5.50 ERA in four years with the Phillies when he was traded in August 2020 to Boston for Heath Hembree and Brandon Workman. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 UConn’s Ashlynn Shade was the Big East Freshman of the Year in 2024 after winning the weekly honor six times, and Strong’s rookie season has been even more dominant. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025 Coach Mike McDaniel was the 49ers’ offensive coordinator in 2021, Hufanga’s rookie season. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 5 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 12 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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