freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
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.
The transfer portal has opened for women's college soccer, and Arkansas has signed a rising freshman class that features three top-200 players and five all-state selections. Anthony Kristensen, Arkansas Online, 21 Nov. 2025 Sac State’s main focus on defense will be UCD quarterback Caden Pinnick, the redshirt freshman out of Placer County who has passed for 2,221 yards and 22 touchdowns. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025 If Missouri decides Pribula isn’t quite ready to suit up, the Tigers will again start true freshman Matt Zollers against the Sooners. Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025 Running back Trent Battle and starting guard Cade Bennett are questionable, and freshman wide receiver Ed Small is also slated to miss another game. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Nov. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshman. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on freshman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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