upperclassman

noun

up·​per·​class·​man ˌə-pər-ˈklas-mən How to pronounce upperclassman (audio)
Synonyms of upperclassmannext
: a member of the junior or senior class in a school or college

Examples of upperclassman in a Sentence

Only upperclassmen can go off-campus for lunch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many of those joining the Knights for the first time had previous playing time under their belts, with 14 transfers being upperclassmen. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 Papazyan became a revelation for Glendale after several upperclassmen went down with injuries. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 As an upperclassman, Frederique has learned the value of being more vocal and serving as a sounding board his teammates can rely upon. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 Even with a full opening, there would also be limitations on varsity team sports for upperclassmen. — Arkansas Online, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for upperclassman

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upperclassman was in 1871

Rhymes for upperclassman

See All Rhymes for upperclassman

Browse Nearby Words

upper class
upperclassman
upper crust
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upperclassman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upperclassman. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

upperclassman

noun
up·​per·​class·​man ˌəp-ər-ˈklas-mən How to pronounce upperclassman (audio)
: a student in the third or fourth year of a four-year college or a high school

More from Merriam-Webster on upperclassman

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