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.
With the air at its thickest and the nerves at their highest level, freshman relief pitcher Cambria Salmon walked in the first run and then threw a wild pitch for run number two, 2-0 Red Raiders. Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 But if a third game is required, the pressure will be on freshman Tate DeRias (2-3, 5.77). Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025 Liam Widner, Menlo baseball: Widner, a freshman, was 3 for 4 and knocked in a run in Menlo’s 5-4 win over Monterey in the CCS Division V finals. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 2 June 2025 Listen to this article GAINESVILLE — Florida freshman slugger Taylor Shumaker ended her weekend slump in record-setting fashion but not before shortstop Rylee Holtorf showed why the Gators will be a tough out during the Women’s College World Series. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 May 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 10 Jun. 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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