first-year

noun

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
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.
The Seahawks are rolling this year under first-year quarterback Sam Darnold, and after some early-season struggles, the Texans are starting to play their brand of football. Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 After the player availabilities concluded, Braden Mullen, a first-year player at Charlotte after four seasons at Dartmouth, expressed his gratitude to the fan base. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025 The university announced the dismissal is with immediate effect, and that first-year defensive coordinator Tyson Summers will serve as interim coach. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025 The loss of Craig could be more complicated, considering his role in protecting CJ Carr and helping first-year starting guard Guerby Lambert acclimate. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 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 24 Oct. 2025.

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