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 former rugby player, who joined the network in 1985, steps into the role as the broadcaster faces stiff competition in ratings despite maintaining its golden-time viewership crown in 2024, though tied with competitors. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Jan. 2025

Dr Phil Hopley is one of the leading experts in the field of mental health and performance, a former professional rugby player who’s more recently helped the McLaren Formula One team to the Constructor’s Championship. —Don Riddell, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025

Stores run shopping deals, similar to Black Friday, and fans cheer on sporting events such as soccer, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting. —Amanda Cappelli, CBS News, 26 Dec. 2024

Make sure that cooking operations are organized and do not resemble a rugby scrum in the kitchen. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

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