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

While Welniak made her varsity debut as a freshman, she has been be tasked with even more responsibility this spring. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

School personnel are already preparing for fall of 2027 — working to create a new academic schedule, developing operational procedures and hiring for girls’ varsity coaching positions. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026

Canton defenseman Teddy Shuman scored a goal for South, ending his four-year varsity career playing for father Brian Shuman with another win – on top of two state championships. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

Leveling is primarily a varsity assistant, but also helps with the junior varsity, particularly with the goalkeepers. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 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