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Rookie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rookie

[ˈrʊki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

A person who is new to a sport or activity.

Synonyms

beginner, newcomer, novice.

Examples of usage

  • He's a rookie in the NBA this season.
  • She's a rookie on the soccer team.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who is new to a particular profession, activity, or job.

Synonyms

greenhorn, newbie.

Examples of usage

  • She's a rookie in the music industry.
  • He's just a rookie in the tech world.
Context #3 | Adjective

informal

Inexperienced or new in a particular activity or job.

Synonyms

beginner, inexperienced, novice.

Examples of usage

  • He's still a rookie driver.
  • She's a rookie teacher.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term became prominent in sports, especially baseball, and has been widely used since the 1920s.
  • Movies and TV shows like 'Rookie Blue' highlight the experiences of beginners in various fields, helping to popularize the term.

Psychology

  • Being a rookie often comes with feelings of anxiety or excitement, as new experiences can significantly impact self-esteem.
  • Psychologists note that rookies experience a steep learning curve, which plays a crucial role in their growth and competence in any field.

Sports

  • In professional sports, 'Rookie of the Year' awards recognize outstanding first-year players who have shown remarkable talent.
  • Many famous athletes, like Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter, started as rookies and faced challenges that helped shape their careers.

Literature

  • The theme of being a rookie is often explored in coming-of-age stories, where characters navigate the challenges of new experiences.
  • Books aimed at young readers frequently feature rookie characters who demonstrate growth and resilience through their journeys.

Origin of 'rookie'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'rookie' originated in the mid-19th century from the word 'recruit', which referred to new soldiers.
  • It was first widely used in American English, particularly in military contexts, before spreading to sports and other fields.

The word 'rookie' originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It was originally used in the military to refer to new recruits. Over time, the term expanded to include any new or inexperienced person in a particular field or activity. The use of 'rookie' has since become common in sports, professions, and various other areas to describe someone who is new or inexperienced.

See also: rook, rookies.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,696, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.