freshman

[fresh-muhn]

noun

plural

freshmen 

1. a student in the first year of the course at a university, college, or high school.

2. a novice; beginner.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a freshman.

   to outgrow one's freshman attitudes.

2. lacking seniority or experience; junior.

   a freshman senator.

3. required of or suitable for freshmen.

   freshman courses.

4. initial; first.

   This is my freshman year with the company.

Gender Note

See -man.

Other Word Forms

• freshmanship noun
• prefreshman noun
• subfreshman noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of freshman¹

First recorded in 1540–50; fresh + -man

Example Sentences

The high school freshman appearing at the top of the fourth season slams against the door of adulthood.

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Sanders rose to fame as a college freshman at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado.

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As someone who witnessed many of Chino Hills’ games that season, one of the main questions from the start was whether LaMelo would start as a freshman.

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She finished the first half with nine points, tied for the team lead with freshman forward Lena Bilic, who finished the game with 14 points.

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Talya is a junior who has been the starting shortstop for the softball team since her freshman year.

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Related Words

• novice 
• rookie 
• undergraduate