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

Freshman Javian Mallory started, junior Jordan Lyle (suspended for the first three games) made his season debut and redshirt sophomore Chris Wheatley-Humphrey racking up 104 yards and a touchdown on three drives with the reserves. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026

Loftus, a redshirt freshman making a late start at tight end, finished with three catches for 72 yards. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

The Rockhurst alum began his career at Bowling Green and led the conference in sacks as a redshirt sophomore. — Pj Green september 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Western Michigan’s offense is led by Buckley, a redshirt senior running back who has 207 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the season. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 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