Freshman

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Freshman

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

FRESH-mun  /ˈfrɛʃmən/

Definition

A first-year student at a university, college, or secondary school, especially in the United States; a person who is new to a job or activity.

Plain meaning

A freshman is an American term for a first-year student — equivalent to the British fresher. Also used for someone new to any role or field.

Register

Standard in American English. Used in British English but with the awareness that the British equivalent is fresher. The gender-neutral alternative first-year is increasingly preferred in educational contexts.