Definition: Fordham University, founded in New Haven, CT, United States: a private research university known for its liberal arts education, focusing on teaching philosophy, economics, history, art, law, and other fields. Definition of "Fordham" might be: - A name given to a university located in the city of New Haven, Connecticut. - Fordham University is a private, liberal arts college with a strong focus on teaching philosophy, economics, history, art, law, and other fields. It's one of 18 schools at the University of New Haven.