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 his last two varsity seasons, Lewis was 16-3. Pitcher of the Year: Luke Bailey, Granite Hills Headed to UC Santa Barbara, Bailey had a spectacular senior season, going 12-0 with a 1.02 ERA. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025

Marisa Abela wore a cardigan and Pink Ladies varsity jacket that belonged to Amy Winehouse for the 2024 film on the late singer-songwriter. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 18 June 2025

He was assisted for a couple of years by former Royals minor leaguer, Daniel Mercado, who now helps the varsity. —Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Senior captains Naomi Provost (No. 1 singles) and Olivia Romans (No. 1 doubles) were the only returning varsity players in their fourth and third respective years, helping lead the way. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 15 June 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