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

So, his first time hearing Lin-Manuel Miranda was like this freshman stealing his lights. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

His ground-ball rate climbed from 32% during his freshman season to 53% by the end of his career. — Latif Love july 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Hailey put that mindset into action through California’s dual enrollment program, which allows high school students to take college courses as early as their freshman year and earn up to 11 credits per semester. — Ronnie Li, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Of the six nominees in the category, zero are freshman series, and four are previous (at least) two-time winners. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 July 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)