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

Actually, make that three nations since in rugby union, the Irish national team represents both Ireland and Northern Ireland. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025

The goal is to provide more access to a rugby pitch in the Charlotte area. —Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025

His favorite sports were football, mountain biking, mountain climbing, mixed martial arts and rugby. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025

They were fascinated to see these guys, careering around the field in wheelchairs, playing basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, everything. —Janine Henni, People.com, 12 Feb. 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