letterman
word
Definition
A letterman is a student, usually in an American high school or college, who has earned a varsity letter for excellent performance in sports or sometimes other activities.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in the U.S., especially about high school and college sports. The 'letter' refers to the school's first letter, usually worn on a special jacket ('letterman jacket'). Rare outside this context and not to be confused with the talk show host (David Letterman).
Example Sentences
He became a letterman after his first football season.
basic
She is the first girl to be a letterman in her school.
basic
Earning that letterman jacket was a huge deal for him.
natural
A letterman wears a special jacket with a big letter on it.
basic
My brother was a letterman, so everyone knew his name in school.
natural
Once a letterman, always a letterman—he still has his old jacket!
natural