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

Riley raved about the freshman earlier this week.

From Los Angeles Times

So St. Francis has turned to linebacker and former quarterback for the freshman team, Luke Danni, to handle duties.

From Los Angeles Times

Part of the roster for the South Florida Bulls, the freshman's schedule stretches from 5am to 10pm every day to accommodate training, classes and studying.

From BBC

Two of his best recruits have been juniors Alexander Jimenez and Sebastian Flores, who were spotted at a gathering of freshmen because of their size.

From Los Angeles Times

He got to play a little when needed as a freshman and sophomore, but he wasn’t the starter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• novice 
• rookie 
• undergraduate