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

Harvey is another massive player, standing 6-8, who had a promising spring entering his redshirt sophomore season. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

The redshirt junior ranked fourth in the Big 12 among cornerbacks in passes defended (8). — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Timea Gardiner trending upward Bruins forward Timea Gardiner is expected to play in Canada after missing last season as a medical redshirt because of a knee injury. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

For the first time in forever, the program has a promising young quarterback in Drake Lindsey, who started every game last season as a redshirt freshman. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 15 July 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