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

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

There are talented options at receiver like sophomore Ed Small, redshirt sophomores Jeremy Scott and Dozie Ezukanma and redshirt freshman Terry Shelton. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026

That group includes Nickel, redshirt sophomore Judd Anderson and true freshman Dereon Coleman. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026

Unlike them, Rourke effectively spent last year as a medical redshirt after playing through a torn ACL his 2024 season at surging powerhouse Indiana. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 10 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