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

In three varsity seasons, Hornes appeared in 32 games, totaling 2,434 receiving yards on 136 catches with 35 total touchdowns. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026

Goslin, 27, has returned to her alma mater as the varsity coach, after serving for two years as the freshman coach. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026

The relentless energy and frenetic pace that senior guard Arie Garcia-Evans plays with for Waubonsie Valley has been on display during all four of her varsity seasons. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

In 2023, the college joined the Sun Conference, adding six varsity sports with plans to add more. —Miami Herald, 2 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