Junior

/ˈdʒuː.njər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who is younger or of a lower rank.
As a junior, she was always looking up to her seniors for guidance.
A student in the third year of a course.
Many juniors are starting their internships during the summer.
A title used to distinguish a younger version of a person with the same name.
John Smith Jr. won the scholarship.
adjective
Lower in rank, status, or age.
He is the junior partner in the law firm.
Designating a student in the third year of a course.
She is a junior in high school and preparing for college applications.
Younger in age.
My junior brother just turned 16.

Etymology

From Latin 'junior', meaning 'younger'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

junior year
The third year of study at a high school or college.
junior partner
A partner with less experience or lower status in a business.
junior varsity
A sports team composed of younger or less experienced players.

Related Words

senior
A person who is older or in a higher position.
freshman
A student in their first year at a school or college.
sophomore
A student in their second year at a school or college.

Slang Meanings

An inexperienced person or rookie.
He's such a junior; he doesn't know how things work around here.
Refers to younger or less experienced players in sports.
The juniors are stepping up their game this season.