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

Rosey is the senior captain of the cross country team and also runs varsity track. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 6 May 2024

In March, Jaafar was spotted filming what appears to be an earlier era of Michael’s legendary career, rocking a much shorter ‘do and a varsity jacket — another iconic staple in the King of Pop’s wardrobe. —Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 5 May 2024

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

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