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

He’ll be countered by redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall, who shined in his first start with the Jayhawks. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

That’s when redshirt-sophomore safety Khijohnn Cummings-Coleman delivered a huge hit on Sharks receiver Jayden Simpson, who somehow held onto a pass from Luca Stanzani for a 2-yard loss back to the 38. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026

Three players are virtual locks to start in Rodriguez, redshirt senior Matt McCoy and redshirt junior Samson Okunlola. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

The drive was set up by an interception by Teeg Slone, a redshirt junior defensive back out of Rocklin High School in Placer County with a stop at Sacramento’s American River College. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 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