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

Maybe freshman Alijah Arenas, who didn’t debut until late January, could have found his stride faster with a full offseason. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Schubert slotted one past Cadets freshman goaltender Owen Ryan with just five seconds to play in the opening period, giving the Irish a 1-0 lead. —Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, four Aztec swimmers are headed to the NCAAs — senior Moa Bergdahl (100 and 200-meter breaststroke), freshman Roni Black (also 100 and 200 breaststroke), senior Abby Storm (backstroke) and sophomore Alli Mann (100-meter butterfly). —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

Sacramento State to expand housing In the fall 2026 semester, Sacramento State will begin its mandatory live-on-campus requirement for freshmen. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 25 Feb. 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)