redshirt

noun

red·​shirt ˈred-ˌshərt 

: 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

Greathouse ended up taking an awkward redshirt year after getting slowed by persistent hamstring issues. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

In Atlanta, the redshirt sophomore backed up in an offense that was in the top 30 nationally, averaging just over 32 points. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026

Kirsch said this year’s tight ends have stepped up without a senior presence, complimenting redshirt juniors Ka’Morreun Pimpton and Lafayette Kaiuway. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026

Philo, a redshirt sophomore quarterback, sees something special in the player lining up in front of him. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for redshirt

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt