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

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

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

South East High junior varsity football player Christopher Garcia, who was injured after making a tackle during a game on Aug. 23, has died.

From Los Angeles Times

A South East High School student was seriously injured Friday night after tackling another player during a junior varsity football game against Maywood Center for Enriched Studies.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of immediately taking him to junior varsity or varsity, as his physical skills might suggest, they kept Paige on the freshman team all season.

From Los Angeles Times