Freshman

/ˈfrɛʃˌmæn/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A first-year student in a high school or college.
As a freshman at the university, she was excited to meet new people and start her classes.
A person who is new to a particular activity, organization, or field.
He's a freshman in the tech startup world, eager to learn the ropes.

Etymology

From fresh + man, originally meaning a newly arrived young man.

Common Phrases and Expressions

freshman year
The first year of high school or college.
freshman 15
The weight often gained by college students during their first year.
freshman orientation
An event to introduce new students to the school or college.

Related Words

sophomore
A student in the second year of high school or college.
junior
A student in the third year of high school or college.
senior
A student in the fourth year of high school or college.

Slang Meanings

Frosh
The frosh were excited for homecoming.
Fish
In the dorm, they sometimes call the new students fish.