junior varsity

noun

, Sports.

1. a university, college, or school team that consists of players who lack the qualifications or skill necessary for the varsity and compete against other teams of similar composition or ability.

Word History and Origins

Origin of junior varsity¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

At Garfield, sophomore running back Ceasar Reyes has led the Bulldogs to the Eastern League title, rushing for more than 1,400 yards in his first varsity season after being a standout on junior varsity as a freshman.

From Los Angeles Times

Sophomore running back Braylin Drake started the season on junior varsity, but injuries forced him to be the go-to back.

From Los Angeles Times

Within the varsity and junior varsity football programs are 10 sets of brothers.

From Los Angeles Times

The punter on junior varsity was junior Alessandro Garrett.

From Los Angeles Times

For Manuel, a former junior varsity coach at Banning, the win indicates the talent is back at Narbonne, and it’s been a long time coming.

From Los Angeles Times