varsity

[ vahr-si-tee ]

noun

, plural var·si·ties.

1. any first-string team, especially in sports, that represents a school, college, university, or the like:

   He is on the varsity in tennis and in debating.

2. Chiefly British Informal. university.

adjective

1. of or relating to a university or school team, activity, or competition:

   a varsity debater.

varsity

/ ˈvɑːsɪtɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   university, formerly used esp at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge

Other Words From

• inter·varsi·ty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of varsity¹

1840–50; compare versity university, in 17th century; pronunciation probably preserves historical outcome of Middle English ĕr, as in varmint

Example Sentences

Among other achievements, Jarmond helped the Bruins land a new apparel contract with Jordan Brand and Nike after Under Armour abandoned its commitment to a record-setting deal with the school and has positioned UCLA’s 25 varsity sports to compete in the evolving name, image and likeness space with several initiatives.

From Los Angeles Times

Etiwanda Girls Basketball - Varsity Team - '24-'25: Recreating a New Identity with the same passion and grit!

From Los Angeles Times

The “Varsity Blues” and “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23” star said “there’s no playbook for how announce these things,” adding that he had planned to talk to the magazine “at length” to raise awareness and tell his story on his own terms.

From Los Angeles Times

The 47-year-old, known for starring in the TV series Dawson's Creek and the film Varsity Blues, told People magazine about his diagnosis and treatment.

From BBC

The 15-year-old Santa Margarita Catholic High School student wasn’t sure what to expect when he heard loud cheering and banging sounds coming from the locker room that houses the varsity football team.

From Los Angeles Times