rookie

UK: /ˈrʊki/ US: /ˈrʊki/ ,(rŏŏk′ē)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

rook•ie /ˈrʊki/   n. [countable]

1. an inexperienced newcomer, esp. an athlete in the first season on a team.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

rook•ie  (rŏŏk′ē), n. 

1. an athlete playing his or her first season as a member of a professional sports team:
   The rookie replaced the injured regular at first base.
2. a raw recruit, as in the army or on a police force.
3. a novice;
   tyro.

• 1890–95; alteration of recruit; see -y²

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

rookie / ˈrʊkɪ/ noun

1. an inexperienced person or newcomer, esp a raw recruit in the army

Etymology: 20th Century: changed from recruit