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

While Welniak made her varsity debut as a freshman, she has been be tasked with even more responsibility this spring. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

Jones arrived in Fort Worth with relatively high expectations after a promising freshman season at Kansas State. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

Among the first- and second-year linemen, freshman Jackson Cantwell — a five-star prospect — is expected to play a large role in this year’s offensive line, similar to how Mauigoa slid into the starting line in his freshman year. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

Currently airing in the Tuesday 10 PM slot behind High Potential, the freshman series will slide into High Potential‘s Tuesday 9 PM berth once the Kaitlin Olson drama wraps its second season on April 7. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Mar. 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)