varsity

noun

var·​si·​ty ˈvär-sə-tē 

-stē

plural varsities

1

a

: the principal squad representing a university, college, school, or club especially in a sport

b

: regular sense 1c

2

British : university

Examples of varsity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Smith, a three-year varsity veteran, would like nothing more than to end his basketball career by helping the Mustangs earn at least one more victory. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025

Pair their classic ribbed tank with their iconic varsity skirt for an ace-winning combo. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025

After being sent to an alternative school, Connecticut Junior Republic, due to his behavioral issues at 16, DeLeon became a three-sport varsity athlete in swimming, gymnastics and basketball. —Tabius McCoy, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2025

Mickey Watson will replace Jon Seal as Gilman's new varsity soccer coach, the school announced. —Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

by shortening from university (with regular late Middle English opening of tautosyllabic er to ar)

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing varsity

• junior varsity

Rhymes for varsity

• sparsity
• intervarsity

Kids Definition

varsity

noun

var·​si·​ty ˈvär-sət-ē 

-stē

plural varsities

: the main team representing a college, school, or club in contests

Etymology

an altered form of versity, itself an old, shortened form of university