redshirt

noun

red·​shirt ˈred-ˌshərt How to pronounce redshirt (audio)
: a college athlete who is kept out of varsity competition for a year in order to extend eligibility
redshirt verb

Examples of redshirt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cronin said sophomore forwards Brandon Williams and Devin Williams (no relation) would redshirt and freshman guard Eric Freeny was contemplating a similar fate. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 Austin Simmons, a redshirt freshman, completed 3 of 3 passes for 47 yards and 1 touchdown after replacing Dart in the fourth quarter. Matt Jones, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Taking the place of injured redshirt freshman Sam Leavitt, Sims still has the NFL size, arm strength, and impressive athleticism that tantalized scouts as a freshman. Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 17 Oct. 2024 Sturdivant, a redshirt junior, was Garbers’ primary target, catching six passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for redshirt 

Word History

Etymology

from the red jersey commonly worn by such a player in practice scrimmages against the regulars

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of redshirt was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near redshirt

Cite this Entry

“Redshirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redshirt. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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