freshman

noun

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

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.
The Tar Heels have Ryan Browne, a transfer from Purdue, and promising four-star true freshman Bryce Baker. Antonio Morales, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 There is, for any freshman defenseman really, never mind a kid that is 17 years old in Hockey East. Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Early in the second period, freshman and New York Rangers prospect Ty Henricks then pounced on a Cam Knuble rebound to extend the lead to 3-1. Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Nickel, a true freshman, had his moments as well. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshman. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

freshman

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

More from Merriam-Webster on freshman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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