recluta

Recluta is a Spanish term that functions as both a noun and a verb form. As a noun, recluta denotes a person who has recently been recruited, especially into the military, and is often used to refer to someone undergoing basic training. It can also describe a newcomer in an organization, company, club, or team. As a verb, recluta is the third-person singular present indicative of reclutar, meaning to recruit. The noun and the verb share the same root; the plural form of the noun is reclutas.

In military contexts, a recluta may be a conscript or recruit entering basic training in countries with mandatory service. In civilian contexts, it refers to a person newly hired, scouted, or brought into a project or organization during the recruitment process. The related noun reclutamiento denotes recruitment as a process; reclutador designates a recruiter.

Origin and usage notes: The verb reclutar derives from the French word recruter, reflecting historical cross-pollination of vocabulary among Romance languages. While recluta emphasizes the status of being newly recruited, other terms such as novato or aprendiz may be used in some regions to describe a beginner or newcomer. See also reclutar, reclutamiento, reclutador, and concepts related to military conscription or personnel hiring.