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

The approval both changes and simplifies a system that generally provides for four seasons of play within a five-year period but features hardship waivers, redshirt rules and other features that have sometimes sparked confusion, led to arguably inconsistent applications and attracted litigation. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 June 2026

The move will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, pregnancy or active-duty military service. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound redshirt senior was the Hurricanes’ starting left guard last year, splitting time with Samson Okunlola. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026

Playing against mostly minnows in the West Coast Conference as a redshirt freshman, Graves is an unusual case. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 June 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