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

Upon his arrival, Trautwein signed two transfers from his former school, guard TJ Shanahan and tackle Egan Boyer, and convinced Emeka Ugorji to leave Stanford for the SEC after a promising true freshman season. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

The Golden Eagles got an RBI double from freshman pinch-hitter Mya Garcia. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Sophomore boys and freshmen and sophomore girls will start the day participating in an on-and off-ice fitness and skills combine, followed by a college/junior hockey fair for participating players. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026

Many series cast older actors who can age down, supplying a consistency and comfort for audiences, and avoiding the realism of how young a 15-year-old high school freshman or sophomore actually looks on screen. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 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)