varsity

[vahr-si-tee]

noun

plural

varsities 

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 Word Forms

• intervarsity 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

Before the varsity game, two of the league’s top flag football teams will play at 5 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers shouldn’t be here battling baseball’s junior varsity, and they know it, and they’re intent on pounding and pitching their way out of this embarrassing situation as quickly as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

During a podcast in August, Steigh insisted he was done with high school sports after Bishop Montgomery was found to have numerous ineligible football players and canceled its varsity season.

From Los Angeles Times

Of the 20 players on varsity, eight are seniors and nine are juniors.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of those players were expected to try to transfer to other schools after Bishop Montgomery discontinued varsity football.

From Los Angeles Times