C2noun2K

Freshman

UK /["/ˈfreʃmən/"]/US /["/ˈfreʃmən/"]/

Definition

a first-year student at a university or college

In simple words: A first-year student at a school or college.

Examples

  • college freshmen
  • during my freshman year
  • high school freshmen

Usage notes

Typically used in American English to refer to students in their first year of high school or college. Avoid in formal contexts like academic writing.

Grammar pattern

noun + 'is a freshman'

Memory hint

Think of a 'fresh' start in 'man' or 'woman's' first year of school.

Collocations

  • freshman year
  • freshman student
  • freshman orientation

Synonyms

  • first-year student
  • newcomer
  • rookie

Antonyms

  • senior

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sophomore' which is for second-year students.
  • Incorrectly using it for students in lower grades.
  • Spelling errors like 'freshmen' when referring to one person.