varsity

American  

[vahr-si-tee] / ˈvɑr sɪ ti /

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.

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adjective

1. of or relating to a university or school team, activity, or competition.

   a varsity debater.

varsity British  

/ ˈvɑːsɪtɪ /

noun

1. informal university, formerly used esp at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge

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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:

• varsity vs. junior varsity

Example Sentences

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

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

Others are ready to play on varsity as freshmen because of their physical and mental prowess.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

As varsity cocaptains, Marcus and Todd were in charge of choosing teams.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan