Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

upperclassman

American  
[uhp-er-klas-muhn, -klahs-] / ˈʌp ərˈklæs mən, -ˈklɑs- /

noun

plural

upperclassmen
  1. a junior or senior in a secondary school or college.


Etymology

Origin of upperclassman

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; upper 1 + class + -man

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And, like everyone else trying to beat grown men, Lloyd’s Wildcats were heavy on upperclassman talent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

“We’re always disrespected, always made the underdogs,” said defensive end Bralen Trice, another upperclassman who returned this season to make title run.

From Washington Times • Jan. 2, 2024

The Trojans, who had just one returning upperclassman in the starting lineup with Ellis injured, were forced to call a timeout as the Anteaters’ lead ballooned to 10.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2023

Pokémon politics aside, the trailer also shows off another chunk of the story campaign, which features your student helping an upperclassman find the mysterious Herba Mystica.

From The Verge • Sep. 7, 2022

Once when we were freshmen there was this upperclassman named Don Little who had a thing for Erin.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick