redshirt

[ red-shurt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

1. a high school or college athlete kept out of varsity competition for one year to develop skills and extend eligibility.
2. a child held back from starting kindergarten for one year, the practice of which is believed by some parents to give the child academic, athletic, and social advantages.
a character in a TV show or movie who dies soon after being first introduced:
She's a redshirt who won’t make it to the next scene.

verb (used with object)

1. to withdraw (an athlete) from varsity competition for one year.
2. to delay (a child) from starting kindergarten for one year:
  They redshirt their kids because they think it gives them a competitive edge.
to quickly kill off (a character) in a TV show or movie:
That guard is totally going to be redshirted in the next five minutes.

verb (used without object)

1. (of an athlete) to withdraw from varsity competition for one year:
  He redshirted in 2010, only to come back faster and stronger the following season.
2. to delay a child from starting kindergarten for one year:
  Would you redshirt if your kid’s preschool teacher recommended it?

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of redshirt¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55 for redshirt def 1, from the red shirts worn in practice by such athletes; in redshirt def 2, the term is a reference to the original Star Trek series (1966–69), in which characters in red shirts, usually security personnel or engineers, were often killed off as a plot device

Discover More

Example Sentences

The 6-foot-9 redshirt junior forward sat out last season per NCAA transfer rules.

From Washington Post

Adams became one of the most prolific wideouts in the country as a redshirt sophomore, catching 131 passes for 1,719 yards and 24 touchdowns.

From Washington Post

After Rogers was granted a medical redshirt, he returned to the starting lineup and is finding plenty of ways to contribute.

From Washington Post

Sam Hauser, a redshirt senior forward, is Virginia’s leading scorer, and Joey Hauser, a redshirt junior forward, leads the Spartans in scoring.

From Washington Post

The redshirt sophomore missed one game while in the concussion protocol and since rejoining the starting lineup has directed Virginia to four victories, including three in which it scored at least 43 points.

From Washington Post

Word of the Day

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

redshifted redshirting

Browse