[Ads-l] Definition of "Rookie" (Sports)

[Shapiro, Fred]

The OED's definition of "rookie," sense 2., is:

"Originally and chiefly North American. A new member of a sports team, esp. one playing in his or her first major league or championship."

This definition seems pretty off-base.  Merriam-Webster's definition seems closer to being accurate: "a first-year participant in a major professional sport."  But I don't think the qualifying words "major" and "professional" should be in there.

Fred Shapiro



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