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

Millett Hall, however, which was built in 1968 and also houses the women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams, is outdated not only in terms of fan experience and insufficient space for three varsity programs, but also revenue generation. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026

One of the varsity players cracked a fast ball to left field. —Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

Coach Tom Beard has had 39 players participate in varsity matches this year. —Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026

In fact, Davis was named Florida’s Class 6A Player of the Year, capping a brilliant four-year run on Martin County’s varsity. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 10 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