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

They were told that their program was being cut in favor of elevating a women's STUNT club on campus to DI varsity status. —Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 6 May 2026

The following spring, another Pontrelli would be on the varsity roster. —Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026

Despite a lifelong athletic background, ranging from varsity lacrosse and swimming to competing in equestrian events, Phillips describes Pilates as something entirely different. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

Mordini started playing varsity basketball as a sophomore at Lake Forest High. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 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