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

Rather than just rehashing typical fan gear, the collection reimagines team apparel and accessories with the brand's irreverent style, mixing varsity jackets, bold graphic tees, hoodies, jacquard sweaters, and even lifestyle items. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Kepner was a high school varsity cheerleader who planned to join the Navy after graduation and ultimately wanted to become a K-9 police officer. —Michael Dorgan , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025

The Bobcats won 100 games in his four years on varsity. —Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Nov. 2025

Talia and Belen Butler were here last year, but the rest of the Pilots are in their first year on varsity. —Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2025

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