Rookie — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈru̇-kē/ rook·ie

Meaning & Definition of Rookie

Rookie (noun)

  1. recruit; also, novice
  2. a first-year participant in a major professional sport

Rookie (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who is just starting out in a field of activity

    "although a star in his old sport of basketball, he was still just a rookie as far as baseball was concerned"

    similar: abecedarian, apprentice, babe, beginner, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, tenderfoot, tyro, virgin
    related: boot, amateur, dabbler, dilettante, learner, student, trainee, candidate, entrant, probationer
    opposite: old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran
    near: expert, master, pro, professional

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Rookie

The most common words with a similar meaning to Rookie:

abecedarian, apprentice, babe, beginner, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, tenderfoot, tyro, virgin

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Rookie

Words with the opposite meaning of Rookie:

old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Related Words for Rookie

boot, amateur, dabbler, dilettante, learner, student, trainee, candidate, entrant, probationer

Near Antonyms of Rookie

expert, master, pro, professional

Origin & Etymology of Rookie

perhaps alteration of recruit

First known use: 1868

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Rookie

Frequently Asked Questions about Rookie

What does "Rookie" mean?

"Rookie" means recruit; also, novice. As a noun, it is defined as: recruit; also, novice.

What is another word for "Rookie"?

Other words for "Rookie" include abecedarian, apprentice, babe, beginner, colt, cub, fledgling and freshman. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Rookie" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Rookie"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Rookie". Common alternatives include abecedarian, apprentice, babe, beginner, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn and neophyte.

What is the opposite of "Rookie"?

Antonyms of "Rookie" include old hand, old-timer, vet and veteran. Near antonyms include expert, master, pro and professional.

How do you use "Rookie" in a sentence?

Examples of "Rookie" in a sentence: "although a star in his old sport of basketball, he was still just a rookie as far as baseball was concerned".

Is "Rookie" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Rookie" is a noun.

Is "Rookie" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Rookie" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Rookie"?

"Rookie" is pronounced /ˈru̇-kē/ and divided into syllables as rook·ie.