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

Newbauer attempted only one pass, as did freshman Bowe Bentley, a top-100 prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The complaint alleges freshmen endured forced genital shaving, excessive drinking and being made to eat live fish as part of team initiation. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

But after a disappointing freshman season in 2025, hype during offseason practices and a dud opening performance, more people are starting to question whether Underwood should actually be starting. — Christian Romo, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Lake Mary quarterback RemyJarman is out four to six weeks with a broken collarbone and tonight getting his first varsity start is freshman Max Chapman . — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 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)