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

In November 2023, Mitchell & Ness debuted its recreation of the Philadelphia Eagles varsity jacket that Princess Diana wore through the ’80s and ’90s, including on the cover of People magazine. —Kristopher Fraser, WWD, 6 Dec. 2024

The plaintiffs wore the shirts after a transgender athlete, who had not consistently attended practices or met key varsity eligibility requirements, was placed on the varsity team, displacing one of the girls from her spot, the complaint alleged. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2024

According to his LinkedIn, Rojas graduated from Carmel High School in 2010, and was involved in jazz band, wind ensemble and both basketball and baseball varsity teams. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

The capsule collection features various designs, including t-shirts, a varsity jacket, hats, and Sprite cans. —Essence, 2 Dec. 2024

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