rugby

noun

rug·​by ˈrəg-bē 

often capitalized

: a football game in which play is continuous without time-outs or substitutions, interference and forward passing are not permitted, and kicking, dribbling, lateral passing, and tackling are featured

Examples of rugby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Everton Stadium will host Euro 2028 games and is expected to be a venue for a rugby league Ashes Test match between England and Australia later this year. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025

With rugby matches popping up all across the U.S. this summer and in the coming years, there has never been a better time to be a rugby fan. —Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Charlotte will host the men's national rugby team for two matches at American Legion Memorial Stadium this summer. —Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025

The charity was established in 1972 as a resource for athletes who have been severely injured while playing rugby football in Wales and their families. —Janine Henni, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Rugby School, Rugby, England

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rugby

noun

rug·​by ˈrəg-bē 

often capitalized

: a football game between two teams in which play is continuous and the team that has the ball may run with it, kick it, or pass it sideways or backward but is not allowed to block or make forward passes

Etymology

named for Rugby School in England where the game was first played

Geographical Definition

Rugby

geographical name

Rug·​by ˈrəg-bē 

town on the Avon River in Warwickshire, central England population 71,000