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

Jim Varsallone writes a high school sports column twice a week, featuring top performers in all varsity sports (boys and girls) in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. —Miami Herald Staff Reports, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Horn has a holistic program philosophy in which the varsity engages frequently with underclassmen through joint practices and buddy programs. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2025

Freshman Jacob Titchenal made his varsity debut at quarterback last week for the Spartans in a win over Newport Harbor and threw three touchdown passes. —Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025

Anderson was one of the two primary setters on the varsity team and was ranked in the top 45 in CIF San Diego for assists. —Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 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