freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
Synonyms of freshmannext
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.
Kuziela showed promise as a freshman with 228 kills, 58 assists, 42 digs and 30 blocks in 18 matches. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 In the bottom of the frame, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps freshman pitcher Tegin Maloney threw a two-out wild pitch that plated Keough to tie the score. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026 The winning run for Harvard-Westlake was driven in by freshman Louis Lappe, hero of El Segundo’s walk-off Little League World Series win. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026 The freshman surrendered her lone hit in the ensuing frame off of a bunt single, and recovered by striking out two more batters. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshman. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

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)

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