varsity

noun

var·​si·​ty ˈvär-sə-tē 

-stē

plural varsities

1

a

: the principal squad representing a university, college, school, or club especially in a sport

b

: regular sense 1c

2

British : university

Examples of varsity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ninth-grader Hansu Musembi, who is new to the varsity team, faltered in his first set. —Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 2 June 2026

On March 1 the following spring, Hulst won his varsity singles tennis match that afternoon and then came back to win the varsity 2-mile in a dual meet that night. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026

Matty ended her career with eight varsity letters as a four-year standout in soccer and cross country. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026

Mancino’s career totals were 914 kills, 178 aces and 714 digs as a three-year varsity starter for a team that went 88-4 in those three seasons. —Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

by shortening from university (with regular late Middle English opening of tautosyllabic er to ar)

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing varsity

• junior varsity

Rhymes for varsity

• sparsity
• intervarsity

Kids Definition

varsity

noun

var·​si·​ty ˈvär-sət-ē 

-stē

plural varsities

: the main team representing a college, school, or club in contests

Etymology

an altered form of versity, itself an old, shortened form of university