Varsity

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈvɑː.sɪ.ti/
• US IPA: /ˈvɑɹ.sɪ.ti/

Origin

Alteration of university

Full definition of varsity

Noun

1. university

Derived terms

• junior varsity
• varsity letter

Usage notes

Used attributively in the UK to describe a sports team representing a university or college, or a match involving such a team.

Used attributively in the U.S. and Canada to describe a sports team made up of older high school or college students (generally the 3rd and 4th years of a 4-year program), as contrasted with the junior varsity team made up of 1st- and 2nd-year students.