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 professional rugby player, 45, appeared on Good Morning Britain on May 17 from the Mike Tindall Celebrity Golf Classic, sharing details about Zara's low-key birthday celebrations. —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 17 May 2024

Peter Claffey, a former rugby player and actor from Wreck, stars as Dunk, a squire who takes up the armor of his recently deceased hedge knight, plays himself off as Ser Duncan the Tall, and haphazardly tries to enter a tournament. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 16 May 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