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 likely starter at quarterback at the beginning of the season is junior Daniel Kakooza, but by season’s end, beware of freshman Exavier Johnson, whose father with the same first name was a standout quarterback at Birmingham and Taft. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Melanie Doggett, the Landmark Christian freshman who set a 14-and-under world record in the 200 meters at the GHSA meet in June, is the Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Player of the Year. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 26 June 2026

JSerra’s Ava Irwin, who earned The Register’s Orange County player of the year honor as a freshman in 2025, has enrolled at Sierra Canyon, Trailblazers athletic director Jon Ellinghouse confirmed Thursday. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 26 June 2026

Golden and assistant Carlin Hartman unknowingly started a partnership by pairing the freshmen as roommates. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 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)