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