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

Her younger sister Rumi (who happens to be one half of a twin) matched her fly, wearing a black and white Amiri varsity jacket, light wash blue jeans, and Amiri’s cute Ma Canvas camera case. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025

Rumi Carter, meanwhile, wore a black and white Amiri varsity jacket, light wash blue jeans and Amiri’s Ma Canvas camera case. —Julia Teti, WWD, 10 Feb. 2025

Then there’s the ever-popular photo of Princess Diana sporting an Eagles varsity jacket. —Caleb Mezzy, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025

Here is a roundup of high school varsity action on Friday, Feb. 7. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 8 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

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