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 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

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)