student

noun

stu·​dent ˈstü-dᵊnt How to pronounce student (audio)
ˈstyü-
chiefly Southern -dənt
Synonyms of studentnext
often attributive
1
: scholar, learner
especially : one who attends a school
2
: one who studies : an attentive and systematic observer
a student of politics

Examples of student in a Sentence

a group of college students She is a student at Georgetown University.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prosecutors said Roberts knowingly misrepresented his citizenship status on employment paperwork during his time at the district, which serves 30,000 students, according to the AP. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 Ty Smith’s ability to make the improbable happen goes back to his days as a community college student. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 31 May 2026 Across just 30 days in April, students processed about 120,000 surgical instruments, memorizing the specific cleaning requirements for the many types of clamps, scissors and other devices used to perform everything from tumor biopsies to heart transplants. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026 With citations to academic research, Horvath argues students learn better on paper and through discussion, and schools are harming children by sticking them behind a screen. Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for student

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin student-, studens, from present participle of studēre to study — more at study

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of student was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Student.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/student. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

student

noun
stu·​dent ˈst(y)üd-ᵊnt How to pronounce student (audio)
chiefly Southern -ənt
1
: scholar sense 1
especially : one who attends a school or college
2
: one who studies
a student of life

More from Merriam-Webster on student

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster