freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
Synonyms of freshmannext
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

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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
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.
Murray and the Huskers lost in her freshman year against Texas in the national championship match. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Most of the time, being a twin has been indescribably wonderful for University of Miami soccer players Zoie and Kai Fontenot, freshmen from Long Beach, California, who just began their college careers together. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 Houston Christian transfer Xai’Shaun Edwards tallied 45 yards himself while Lee’s Summit High alum and freshman Preston Hatfield secured 34 yards and a touchdown in his first college game. — Pj Green september 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 Sagapolutele threw for 3,454 yards and 18 touchdowns as a true freshman with a limited supporting cast and suspect offensive line. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of freshman was in 1557

Phrases Containing freshman

Rhymes for freshman

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Browse Nearby Words

freshly
freshman
freshman composition
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Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshman. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

freshman

noun
fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
1
: beginner, newcomer
2
: a student in the first year (as of high school or college)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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