student
STYOO-dnt
Student (noun) means a person who is enrolled in and attends a school, college, or university. Example: “Every student must bring a library card on the first day.”
noun
1
A person who is enrolled in and attends a school, college, or university.
"Every student must bring a library card on the first day."
"She’s a first-year student at the local university."
"The teacher praised her students for their hard work."
2
A person who studies or takes a serious interest in a particular subject.
"As a student of human behaviour, she spends hours watching people in busy train stations."
"My grandfather was a keen student of the stars and owned three telescopes."
"He’s a lifelong student of history."
How to use student
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone formally learning at an educational institution, or more broadly, anyone devoted to studying a subject.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a student of
graduate student
student loan
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Word forms
- Plural
- students
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Every _____ must bring a library card on the first day.
Etymology
From Old French estudiant, from Latin studens ("one who applies oneself"), the present participle of studere, "to study."
Synonyms
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pupil
learner
scholar
undergraduate
trainee
schoolchild
bookman
educatee
scholarly person
assimilator
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for student
See all rhymes for student →Frequently asked questions
What does “student” mean?
The word “student” means a person who is enrolled in and attends a school, college, or university. In plain terms, someone formally learning at an educational institution, or more broadly, anyone devoted to studying a subject.
How do you pronounce “student”?
“Student” is pronounced STYOO-dnt (/ˈstjuː.dn̩t/ in IPA).
How do you use “student” in a sentence?
Here is “student” used in a sentence: “She’s a first-year student at the local university.”
What is the opposite of “student”?
The opposite of “student” — its antonyms — is teacher.
What part of speech is “student”?
“Student” is a noun.
Where does the word “student” come from?
The word “student” comes from Latin. From Old French estudiant, from Latin studens ("one who applies oneself"), the present participle of studere, "to study.".
Is “student” a common word?
“Student” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “student” have?
“Student” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who is enrolled in and attends a school, college, or university.
What is the difference between a 'student' and a 'pupil'?
Both attend school to learn, but 'pupil' usually refers to a younger child under a teacher's close direction, especially at primary school. 'Student' is broader and applies at any level, from school to university, and implies more independent study. In American English, 'student' covers all ages, and 'pupil' is rare.
What are the types of students?
Students are often grouped by level: schoolchildren, undergraduates studying for a first degree, and postgraduate or graduate students pursuing advanced study. Other labels describe how they study — full-time, part-time, mature, international, or distance-learning students. Each term reflects a different stage of education or way of attending.
What is another word for 'student'?
Common alternatives include 'pupil' and 'learner' for school-age contexts, and 'undergraduate' or 'scholar' in higher education. 'Trainee' fits when the learning is vocational. The best choice depends on the setting — 'learner' is neutral and wide-ranging, while 'undergraduate' points specifically to someone working toward a first university degree.
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