noun
Common
freeman
FREE-muhn
Freeman (noun) means a person who is not enslaved or bound in servitude. Example: “In the old story, the worker saved hard to become a freeman.”
noun
1
A person who is not enslaved or bound in servitude.
"In the old story, the worker saved hard to become a freeman."
"Once a freeman, he could own land and choose his own work."
"The pamphlet argued that every freeman had a right to vote."
2
A person granted the honorary or ceremonial "freedom" of a city.
"The town council voted to make the local hero a freeman of the borough."
"Being a freeman of the city is a rare and ceremonial honour."
"The retired mayor was made a freeman of the city in recognition of his service."
name
1
A surname, often originating either as a description of social status or from a freed slave taking the name.
How to use freeman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHistorically, a person who was not a slave or serf; also an honorary title given by a city.
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Word forms
- Plural
- freemen
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In the old story, the worker saved hard to become a _____.
Etymology
From Old English freomann, a straightforward compound of "free" and "man."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for freeman
See all rhymes for freeman →Frequently asked questions
What does “freeman” mean?
The word “freeman” means a person who is not enslaved or bound in servitude. In plain terms, historically, a person who was not a slave or serf; also an honorary title given by a city.
How do you pronounce “freeman”?
“Freeman” is pronounced FREE-muhn (/ˈfɹiː.mən/ in IPA).
How do you use “freeman” in a sentence?
Here is “freeman” used in a sentence: “The pamphlet argued that every freeman had a right to vote.”
What is another word for “freeman”?
Words with a similar meaning to “freeman” include citizen, burgher and burgess.
What is the opposite of “freeman”?
The opposite of “freeman” — its antonyms — are slave, bondsman and serf.
What part of speech is “freeman”?
Depending on how it is used, “freeman” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “freeman” come from?
The word “freeman” comes from Old English. From Old English freomann, a straightforward compound of "free" and "man.".
Is “freeman” a common word?
“Freeman” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a freeman and a citizen?
A freeman, in its historical sense, is a person who is not enslaved or bound in servitude. A citizen is a broader legal status referring to formal membership in a nation or city, which a freeman would typically also hold once granted that status.
What does it mean to be given the freedom of a city?
Being made a freeman of a city is an honorary or ceremonial title granted to individuals in recognition of service or achievement, historically tied to certain privileges within that city, though today it is largely symbolic.
Is Freeman a common surname?
Yes, Freeman is a surname that often originated either as a description of someone's free social status or from a formerly enslaved person adopting the name after gaining freedom.
