freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
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

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
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.
Broncos freshman goalkeeper Ava de Leest was also called into action a few times. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025 That should mean the Horned Frogs should have plenty of chances to exploit the Mountaineers’ secondary, even if freshman wide receiver Ed Small isn’t available. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025 Among other cornerbacks, Lucas has played 223 defensive snaps, OJ Frederique 212, Washington State transfer Ethan O’Connor 186, Damari Brown 152, freshman Ja’boree Antoine 27 and Charles Brantley just 11. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025 Zachary Willmore, 22, dropped out of rush his freshman year. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for freshman

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of freshman was in 1557

Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshman. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

freshman

noun
fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
1
2
: a student in the first year (as of high school or college)

More from Merriam-Webster on freshman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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