varsity
Americannoun
plural
varsities-
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.
-
Chiefly British Informal. university.
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
- intervarsity adjective
Etymology
Origin of varsity
1840–50; compare versity university, in 17th century; pronunciation probably preserves historical outcome of Middle English ĕr, as in varmint
Compare meaning
How does varsity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
The word varsity identifies the starting team in a sport at a college or university. You have to be good to make varsity. At many schools, sports are a big deal. Thousands of people flock to college football and basketball games, plus other sports. The members of the starting team are varsity players. Varsity players are the best players: that’s why they start, and they usually finish the game too. It can take a while for a player to make varsity status.
Vocabulary lists containing varsity
Language Gone Wrong: Words That Started Out as Errors
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"High School Football"
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The Crossover
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I believed I was forging a path for her, but she saw my varsity moves as inconsiderate and selfish.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
Return of the Champ: Toby Ojo, West Torrance Sophomore makes his season debut at the Torrance City Champs Meet and captures the varsity long jump crown!
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026
Until 1968 – and 1972 for football and basketball – freshmen weren’t even allowed to play at the varsity level.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
The fraternity brothers, whose startup is called Vocara, are former varsity football and baseball players.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
The conversation around the varsity lockers was subdued.
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
