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redshirt

noun
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red·​shirt | \ ˈred-ˌshərt How to pronounce redshirt (audio) \

Definition of redshirt

: a college athlete who is kept out of varsity competition for a year in order to extend eligibility
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Other Words from redshirt

redshirt verb

Examples of redshirt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Left tackle Cole Van Lanen, a redshirt junior, was a second-team pick according to the media and honorable mention according to the coaches. — Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Jonathan Taylor repeats as the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten running back of the year," 4 Dec. 2019 The 5-foot-10 redshirt junior also returned two kicks for 44 yards. — Cameron Teague Robinson, The Courier-Journal, "U of L receiver and Male graduate Keion Wakefield announces plans to transfer," 2 Dec. 2019 Before Saturday’s match against Seattle Pacific, she’ll be honored in a ceremony that will also recognize Anjoilyn Vreeland, a redshirt junior from Anchorage who is skipping her final year of eligibility to focus on academics. — Beth Bragg, Anchorage Daily News, "For UAA volleyball player Vanessa Hayes, change is the only constant," 21 Nov. 2019 Meanwhile, players with options, such as redshirt juniors on track to graduate, could choose to transfer and play their final season as graduate students elsewhere. — Mike Anthony, courant.com, "Mike Anthony: Matt Peart’s experience is worth celebrating on a fittingly bizarre UConn Football Senior Day," 20 Nov. 2019 The other name to watch for Missouri is guard Dru Smith, a redshirt junior who sat out last season after transferring from Evansville. — Adam Baum, Cincinnati.com, "Scouting Missouri: No. 21 Xavier Musketeers basketball welcomes the Tigers Tuesday night," 11 Nov. 2019 Charles, a redshirt junior, remembers when expectations and success weren’t as high. — Khobi Price, sun-sentinel.com, "Florida Atlantic not satisfied with bowl eligibility, keeping focus on Conference USA title," 5 Nov. 2019 The loss forced redshirt junior Isaiah Miranda, who converted from linebacker to tight end, into action. — BostonGlobe.com, "Eagles are really hurting at tight end after this victory - The Boston Globe," 3 Nov. 2019 The two redshirt juniors were part of the 2016 recruiting class, which has gone from 20 plays to seven remaining. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State football: What we learned during bye, what to watch vs. Penn State," 21 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'redshirt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of redshirt

1955, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for redshirt

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

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Time Traveler for redshirt

Time Traveler

The first known use of redshirt was in 1955

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Statistics for redshirt

Last Updated

11 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Redshirt.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redshirt. Accessed 15 December 2019.

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More Definitions for redshirt

redshirt

noun
How to pronounce redshirt (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of redshirt

US, sports : a college athlete who practices with a team but does not play any official games

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