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.
In 2016, Elizabeth was a freshman at Culleoka Unit School after being homeschooled for most of her life. Alex Gurley, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025 As a freshman, Flagg has been the best player in the nation this season averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 There’s older brother Grady (19), a freshman at Loyola University; younger brother Cormac (16), a sophomore at St. Paul’s; sisters Hadleigh (13) and Landry (12); and brothers Brecon (9) and Kelton (7). Rich Scherr, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025 Puglisi as a redshirt freshman is two years behind, plus he was injured last spring. Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 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 Mar. 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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