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 redshirt freshman has been a consistent bright spot since entering the starting lineup in December, and he’s really rounded into form over the last month. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025 Listen to this article BLOOMINGTON — When Nico Ronchetti arrived at Joliet Catholic as a freshman in 2021, the school had never won a state trophy in wrestling. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 Sophomore guard Delanie Doty scored 19 points with five rebounds while freshman guard Alana Pinnock registered 13 points with five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025 Brazile, a standout freshman, averages 14.2 points and a team high 4.3 assists; her play has improved as the season has progressed. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 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 14 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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