freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən 

often attributive

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

Synonyms of freshman

• novice
• rookie
• newcomer
• beginner
• apprentice

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

The pair met in English class on the first day of their freshman year. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026

The deal gave the freshman mayor the opportunity to brag about his fiscal chops. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Flagg chose to play at Duke and dominated college basketball as a freshman. — Christian Clark, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Just after midnight, on May 8, 1981, the last night of her freshman year, she was attacked. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing freshman

• freshman orientation
• pre-freshman

Rhymes for freshman

• freshmen

Kids Definition

freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən 

1

: beginner, newcomer

2

: a student in the first year (as of high school or college)