freedman

noun

freed·​man ˈfrēd-mən How to pronounce freedman (audio)
-ˌman
Synonyms of freedmannext
: a person freed from slavery

Examples of freedman in a Sentence

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.
In Edward Zwick's tense Civil War drama about the first all-Black Army regiment, freedmen and freedom seekers volunteer to prove to white America and themselves that liberty is worth dying for. Kevin P. Sullivan, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 These were to control the lives and control the movements, control any attempt at owning property, any attempt at physical liberty, really, for the freedmen. David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 Founded and incorporated in 1887, Eatonville became one of the first towns to be successfully established by African American freedmen. Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Apr. 2026 The law was not intended to be enforced against whites but had the clear intent to restrict the civil rights of freedmen. Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freedman

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of freedman was in 1587

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Cite this Entry

“Freedman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedman. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

freedman

noun
freed·​man ˈfrēd-mən How to pronounce freedman (audio)
-ˌman
: a person freed from slavery

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