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

Synonyms of student

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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.
Authorities said John had been a special needs student at the school and had attacked a classroom with special needs students. — Haven Daley, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026 Big shot before the scrimmage A highlight of the evening came early when former KU wing Perry Ellis banked in a halfcourt shot to win $10,000 for KU student Addyson Devlin. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 There is a greater good to be attained and that is the emphasis that will now be placed on the education of our students. — Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026 School opened on schedule on Tuesday, but students, families and staff had to reset more than 600,000 passwords. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing student

Rhymes for student

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Browse Nearby Words

stud driver
student
student's t distribution
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Cite this Entry

“Student.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/student. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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