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

With the addition of versatile everyday pieces like the varsity jacket with a hibiscus flower patch design, FRÈRE is broadening the horizons of menswear, merging formal sophistication with effortless style. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

McGinnis wanted to continue her development, but also help underclassmen with their transition to varsity soccer, hoping to repay the favor she was allotted. —Colin McNamara, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024

The plaintiffs had worn the shirts after a transgender athlete, who hadn’t 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, 23 Nov. 2024

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

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