variants or first year
plural first-years or first years
: a student in the first year (as at a high school or college) : a first-year student
Experts say fledgling first-years can expect to experience the thrill of autonomy, of being in the driver's seat for what may be the first time ever.—Jan McCoy Ebbets

Examples of first-year in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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More than 1,000 employees have moved into driving roles through the program, where first-year drivers can make up to $115,000 annually and more experienced drivers can earn up to $135,000, according to the company. — Alice Barlow, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 The Springfield campus also saw a bump in first-year enrollment, though overall enrollment there dipped by 8%. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 Kansas State has been better than expected under first-year coach Collin Klein. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026 Hart County’s revival is under the direction of first-year coach Biff Parson. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-year

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first-year was in 1986

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Cite this Entry

“First-year.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-year. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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