/ ˈvɑːsəti; NAmE ˈvɑːrs-/ noun , adjective
■ noun [ C , U ] ( pl. -ies )
1.
( NAmE ) the main team that represents a college or high school , especially in sports competitions
2.
( BrE , old use or IndE or SAfrE ) university :
She's still at varsity.
■ adjective
[ only before noun ] ( BrE , informal ) used when describing activities connected with the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, especially sports competitions :
the varsity match
For more information see the Cultural Guide
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: shortening of university , reflecting an archaic pronunciation.