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

Being on varsity as a sophomore is almost like a shock to the system. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

Anthony Elizondo’s varsity basketball career began with great success at Alice High School. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026

Today, the Mighty Oaks fields thriving boys’ and girls’ varsity teams. —Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Another strong item was the varsity bomber, crafted in double cashmere and quilted, or in an alpaca version finished with napa leather details. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 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