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

Being selected to play on Marist’s varsity as a freshman came with a caveat for Max DeHoyos. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

UConn has three open scholarship spots entering 2026-27 with Brady and Patterson departing and two incoming freshmen, but the team isn’t expected to sign any of the players still available in the portal. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026

Downs got his first offer from Akron as an eighth grader, started at safety for Georgia powerhouse Mill Creek High as a freshman and grew 3 inches between his freshman and sophomore seasons. —Grace Raynor, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

The unit also added a trio of transfers in Bruno Dall, Ken Talley and L A Jessie Harrold, along with true freshman Alhassan Iddrissu. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 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)