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

Schwanz was fourth at 106 pounds as a freshman and took third at 113 ponds last year as a sophomore. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

The graduation of Hannah Laub, who is a freshman at Army, has required Newton to increase her scoring and rebounding. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

The Broncos signed three incoming freshmen and two college transfers Wednesday, in addition to the 28 athletes who had already signed a national letter of intent, indicating their commitment to play for Boise State. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Feb. 2025

As far as newcomers are concerned, the Bears have a pair of unrelated freshmen ready to make an impact. —Sam Lane, arkansasonline.com, 7 Feb. 2025

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)