freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən 

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

• novice
• rookie
• newcomer
• beginner
• apprentice

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

Notre Dame finished with a season-best 241 yards rushing, with freshman Jonaz Walton posting a team-high 120 yards and James adding 65 more. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Its comment section is full of users doting over the college freshman. — Jesse Watson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

The Eagles were able to come up with a new game plan, using freshman quarterback Hendrix Coleman along with several running backs and receiver Andrew Cordero in a wildcat formation. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

For Miami Hurricanes freshman JJ Dunnigan, success on the field comes down to a few simple tasks. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing freshman

• freshman orientation
• pre-freshman

Rhymes for freshman

• freshmen

Kids Definition

freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən 

1

: beginner, newcomer

2

: a student in the first year (as of high school or college)