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 other underclassmen Hurley was referring to in the top nine would presumably be sophomore star Braylon Mullins and freshmen Colben Landrew and Junior County, who are both expected to make immediate contributions. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Schlosser didn’t play organized football until his freshman season. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026

While Washington tied for third in the conference last season in interceptions with nine, the signal-caller set school records for freshman completions and passing yards, throwing for 2,963 yards and 17 touchdowns. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Aidan Hamilton, 18, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, 20, a junior from Atlanta, were found dead in separate locations this week, Ole Miss said. — Anthony Cusumano, NBC news, 25 Sep. 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)