Etymology

Adjective

1. The second in a series, especially, the second of an artist’s albums or the second of four years in a secondary or post-secondary school.

   The band’s sophomore album built upon the success of their debut release, catapulting them to megastardom.

Noun

1. A second-year undergraduate student in a college or university, or a second-year student in a four-year secondary school or high school.

   She was very mature for a sophomore and had several friends who were juniors or even seniors.

2. A three year old horse.

   The filly had looked promising as a sophomore, but concerns over her health had prompted the owner to pull her from the season’s early races.