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 freshman outfielder also paced the team with 18 steals. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025 Announced during the Final Four of the NCAA men’s basketball Tournament in early April, that ban made headlines regarding then-Duke freshman Khaman Maluach, a native of South Sudan. Justin Williams, New York Times, 19 June 2025 Few Gators are a more intriguing athlete than redshirt freshman Amir Jackson, who at 229 pounds is beginning to fill out his 6-foot-4 ¾ frame. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025 The Brief June 18, 2025 Updates on the Israel and Iran conflict, a case that could upend social media, and more 00:00 As a freshman in high school, Caroline Koziol competed in the Connecticut statewide championship, swimming the 100-yd. Charlotte Alter, Time, 18 June 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 25 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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