varsity
n.-
1 main school sports team (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sportthe top sports team at a school or university that plays against other schools.
the primary athletic team representing a high school, college, or university in competitive sports.
ExampleShe was thrilled to make the varsity basketball team in her first year of high school.
ExampleAfter three seasons on the junior varsity squad, he finally earned a starting position on the varsity football team.
UsageOften used as an attributive noun before another noun, such as 'varsity athlete' or 'varsity jacket'.
Teacher's tipIn the US, 'varsity' is the elite level; 'junior varsity' (or JV) is the secondary level for younger or less experienced players.
- first team
- senior team
- junior varsity
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2 university (n.) C1 Advanced British English Archaica shortened or old-fashioned word for university.
a shortened form of 'university', now largely restricted to specific British contexts or older academic references.
ExampleThe two old friends met while they were both at varsity in the 1970s.
ExampleThe term remains in use within certain prestigious British sporting traditions, most notably the annual Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge.
UsageUsually functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the institution itself.
Teacher's tipWhile common in South African English and older British English, modern learners should use 'university' in most global contexts.
First attested in the mid 17th century. Clipping of univarsity, reflecting an archaic pronunciation of university.