redshirt

noun

red·​shirt ˈred-ˌshərt How to pronounce redshirt (audio)
: a college athlete who is kept out of varsity competition for a year in order to extend eligibility
redshirt verb

Examples of redshirt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound redshirt freshman has been a key part of the Knights’ ground game, rushing for 162 yards on 32 carries and scoring two touchdowns. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Kaufman-Renn’s argument is that since redshirts would no longer exist, his redshirt season should not count. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 The numerous injuries have tested the Hurricanes’ depth, with players like Dunnigan, junior Dylan Day and redshirt sophomore Ryan Mack among the beneficiaries. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Ijeboi, a Minnesota transfer who had 441 yards rushing last season as a redshirt freshman, averaged more than 6 yards per carry. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for redshirt

Word History

Etymology

from the red jersey commonly worn by such a player in practice scrimmages against the regulars

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of redshirt was in 1955

Rhymes for redshirt

See All Rhymes for redshirt

Browse Nearby Words

redshift
redshirt
red-short
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redshirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redshirt. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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