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

Minutes later, redshirt-senior wideout Nik McMillan caught a 12-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead. — Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026

The numerous injuries have tested the Hurricanes’ depth, with players like Dunnigan, junior Dylan Day and redshirt sophomore Ryan Mack among the beneficiaries. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Ijeboi, a Minnesota transfer who had 441 yards rushing last season as a redshirt freshman, averaged more than 6 yards per carry. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026

Louisiana State redshirt freshman defensive end Damien Shanklin did not participate in preseason training camp and has not appeared in a game this season. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 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