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

The Cavaliers defeated Huntsville Alpha Omega 80-32 in a mercy-rule-ending matchup in the 2024 championship game, as then-freshman Keyes threw for 390 yards and seven TDs. —Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025

Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson, who has played in just two of nine games during his freshman season because of a strained hamstring, should return for Sunday’s Border War men’s basketball showdown against Missouri in Kansas City, KU coach Bill Self said Friday. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Dec. 2025

Von Seipler is one of five freshmen on the USD roster. —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025

Offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, the five-star jewel of UM’s 2026 class, as well as freshman guard/center SJ Alofaituli will both compete for starting jobs, with Samson Okunlola also positioned to become a full-time starter. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

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)