rookies
|rook-ies|
/ˈrʊki/
(rookie)
beginner
Etymology
'rookie' originates from American English, probably as a shortened form of 'recruit' (late 19th century), used especially in military and sporting contexts.
'rookie' likely changed from the word 'recruit' (with informal clipping and alteration) and entered slang usage in U.S. military and sporting language before becoming general colloquial English.
Initially it meant 'a newly enlisted soldier or recruit,' but over time it broadened to mean any inexperienced newcomer and also became an adjective meaning 'inexperienced.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is new to an activity, job, team, or organization; an inexperienced recruit.
The rookies showed a lot of promise during training camp.
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Noun 2
a player in a professional sport in their first season (often used as a label in sports contexts).
Several rookies made the opening-day roster for the team.
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Adjective 1
describing someone inexperienced or showing the lack of experience typical of a newcomer.
They made some rookie errors during the presentation.
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Last updated: 2025/09/20 14:18