freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of freshmannext
1
: a student in the first year of high school or college
2
: beginner, newcomer
especially : a person who is starting a job or activity
freshman lawmakers

Examples of freshman in a Sentence

My daughter's a freshman at UCLA. He was the best freshman in professional basketball this year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For comparison to Boise State, sophomore Dylan Riley leads all Bronco players with 1,091 yards on 185 carries, while redshirt freshman Sire Gaines comes in behind with 795 yards on 153 attempts. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Dec. 2025 Sykes recorded 29 catches for 557 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 11 rushes for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns while playing on the freshman team this season. Arkansas Online, 12 Dec. 2025 For the first time since his true freshman season in 2022, Hoover wasn’t getting coached up by Kendal Briles. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Dec. 2025 Underwood had a solid freshman season as the Wolverines’ quarterback. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for freshman

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of freshman was in 1557

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Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshman. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

freshman

noun
fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
1
2
: a student in the first year (as of high school or college)

More from Merriam-Webster on freshman

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