redshirting

American  

[red-shur-ting] / ˈrɛdˌʃɜr tɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the practice of keeping a high school or college athlete out of varsity competition for one year to develop skills and extend eligibility.

   2. the practice of delaying a child from starting kindergarten for one year, believed by some parents to give the child academic, athletic, and social advantages.

      academic redshirting;

      Is redshirting common practice at your school?

2. the practice of quickly killing off a newly introduced character in a TV show or movie.

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Etymology

Origin of redshirting

An Americanism dating back to 1970–80; redshirt ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The younger Mendoza has three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting his first season at Indiana in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

Graduate student Charlisse Leger-Walker is expected to play next season after redshirting while rehabbing a knee injury suffered in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2025

But he didn’t play in either, the first because he was redshirting and the second because he was injured.

From Washington Times • Dec. 28, 2023

After redshirting that fall, he produced 13.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 11 games in 2022.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023

UW senior wide receiver Giles Jackson sustained a thumb injury during Wednesday’s practice and could consider redshirting this season, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb confirmed.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 17, 2023