# varsity

/ˈvɑɹsɪti/ (US) · /vˈɑːsɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/varsity
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. main school sports team

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

the top sports team at a school or university that plays against other schools.

For teachers: the primary athletic team representing a high school, college, or university in competitive sports.

- She was thrilled to make the varsity basketball team in her first year of high school.
- After three seasons on the junior varsity squad, he finally earned a starting position on the varsity football team.

Usage: Often used as an attributive noun before another noun, such as 'varsity athlete' or 'varsity jacket'.

Teaching tip: In the US, 'varsity' is the elite level; 'junior varsity' (or JV) is the secondary level for younger or less experienced players.

### 2. university

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Archaic

a shortened or old-fashioned word for university.

For teachers: a shortened form of 'university', now largely restricted to specific British contexts or older academic references.

- The two old friends met while they were both at varsity in the 1970s.
- The term remains in use within certain prestigious British sporting traditions, most notably the annual Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge.

Usage: Usually functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the institution itself.

Teaching tip: While common in South African English and older British English, modern learners should use 'university' in most global contexts.

## Examples

- She made the varsity soccer team in her first year.
- After two years on the junior team, he finally earned a spot on the varsity basketball squad.
- The university's varsity rowing team receives significant funding compared to the club-level programs, reflecting its status as the institution's primary competitive representative in national regattas.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.