sophomore

1 of 2

noun

soph·​o·​more ˈsäf-ˌmȯr 

also ˈsȯf-

or ˈsä-fə-

or ˈsȯ-fə-

: a student in the second year at college or a 4-year secondary school

sophomore

2 of 2

adjective

: being or associated with the second in a series

their sophomore album

Examples of sophomore in a Sentence

Noun

She's a sophomore in high school.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The sophomore, who's the reigning Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Preps Girls Underclassman of the Year, is averaging 29 points over the past 11 games, including 41 points in a 65-42 victory over Gurdon. —Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026

Scott Taylor – a sophomore edge rusher – shows the skillset to play in coverage a little bit more, as his size and IQ could lead to a potential role at the Will, which could help build some depth where the Bruins need it. —Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Two talented returning players for Village Christian are sophomore 6-foot-3 center Jolie Ambartsumyan and junior guard Sophia Santos. —Jack Gillespie, Daily News, 20 Nov. 2025

The Devils' lineup also features a handful of contributors from last year's Final Four squad, including sharpshooter Isaiah Evans, veteran guard Caleb Foster and sophomore big man Patrick Ngongba II. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

earlier sophy mor, soph-mor, probably from sophom, sophem, sophyme (early Modern English variants of sophism) + -or entry 1; later reanalyzed as Greek sophós "clever, wise" + -o- + mōrós "foolish, stupid"

First Known Use

Noun

1688, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1953, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sophomore

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• blastopore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore

Kids Definition

sophomore

noun

soph·​o·​more

ˈsäf-ˌmō(ə)r, 

-ˌmȯ(ə)r;

ˈsäf-ᵊm-ˌō(ə)r, 

-ˌȯ(ə)r

: a student in his or her second year at a 4-year high school or college