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

• 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 cross-pollination innovation Perhaps Clunie’s most innovative creation is the Cats Care Mentorship Program, which pairs every incoming freshman athlete with an upperclassman from a different sport. —Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2025

Harris is looking at a lot of key sophomores and even some freshmen to help out, especially on the defensive line where starting nose guard Justin Julian (6-2, 250) returns but some of those big offensive linemen may be asked to go both ways early. —Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

Alamar bolstered the roster by adding Riggs, who was the starting long snapper at BYU last season, along with freshman Rocklyn Kelly. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025

But an injury just two weeks later against Portland State brought Gaines’ freshman campaign to a sudden halt. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 4 Aug. 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)