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

• abecedarian
• apprentice
• babe
• beginner
• colt
• cub
• fledgling
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• newbie
• newcomer
• novice
• novitiate
• punk
• recruit
• rook
• rookie
• tenderfoot
• tyro
• virgin

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

In his freshman season, Hunter finished with four receiving touchdowns, 20 total tackles and two interceptions in eight games. —Homero De La Fuente, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024

Reis led the defense with eight tackles and brother Weston (both freshmen linebackers) added seven. —Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024

In each of its 10 games, Arkansas has started four guards: freshman Boogie Fland and transfers D.J. Wagner (Kentucky), Adou Thiero (Kentucky) and Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic). —Tim Casey, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Mayfair Witches‘ second season picks up shortly after the events of its freshman finale, during which Rowan allowed the dark entity Lasher to be reborn through her womb. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing freshman

• freshman orientation
• pre-freshman

Kids Definition

freshman

noun

fresh·​man ˈfresh-mən 

1

: beginner, newcomer

2

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