plebe

[ pleeb ]

noun

1. Also (at the U.S. Military and Naval academies) a member of the freshman class.
2. Obsolete. plebeian ( def 4 ).

plebe

/ pliːb /

noun

1. informal.
   a member of the lowest class at the US Naval Academy or Military Academy; freshman

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebe¹

First recorded in 1605–15; short for plebeian

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebe¹

C19: shortened from plebeian

Example Sentences

He’s one of those sci-fi characters whose normal Earthman name distinguishes him as a plebe among patricians.

From Los Angeles Times

“He wanted to present himself as among ‘the best and the brightest,’ not some common plebe who’d held workaday jobs,” Garrow said of Obama’s first run for the presidency.

From Los Angeles Times

Naval Academy are taking part in the annual Herndon Monument Climb on Wednesday, a ritual that marks the end of their plebe year and some say foreshadows career success.

From Seattle Times

It seems there is a tear between the fantasy and real worlds, and the only way Barbie can mend it is by visiting us plebes over here in the rat race.

From Los Angeles Times

They treated the incoming freshmen the same way they had been treated during their plebe year.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• draftee
• newcomer
• rookie
• sailor
• soldier
• trainee
• volunteer