How to pronounce rookie
Say it like RUUK-ee. Rookie has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUUK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rookie. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUUK
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rookie pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUUKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of rookie
American and British speakers say rookie in essentially the same way: /ˈrʊki/ in the US and /ˈrʊki/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUUK-ee.
What does rookie mean?
- an awkward and inexperienced youth
Where does rookie come from?
Thought to be an alteration of recruit + -ie, or from rook (“a cheat”) + -ie.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with rookie
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rookie.
Questions about saying rookie
How do you pronounce rookie?
Say RUUK-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʊki/. In British English it is /ˈrʊki/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rookie?
Rookie has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUUK). Broken into parts: RUUK · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say rookie the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʊki/ and the British form is /ˈrʊki/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.