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

He was eventually replaced by freshman quarterback Cash Herrera for the final five minutes. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026

Record breaker Purdue kicker Jacobo-Echeverria Lozano shattered the school's single-season record for a freshman with his first of five field goals Saturday. — CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026

Cavaliers freshman quarterback Hassir Houston had to be carried off the field with an apparent leg injury late in the first half but returned in the fourth quarter. — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

Schumer helped elect the freshmen who have not committed to supporting him. — Theodoric Meyer The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 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)