rugby

noun

rug·​by ˈrəg-bē 

variants often Rugby

: 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 series is also a landmark moment for Claffey, a former rugby player who is taking on his first major starring role. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026

Posing alongside her former rugby player beau, Scherzinger playfully pouted at the camera and threw her fingers up in a peace sign. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026

During the Thursday event, Red Roses captain Zoe Stratford presented Kate with a bag of memorabilia, including a crisp, white England rugby jersey. —Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 16 Jan. 2026

The New Zealand All Blacks have parted ways with head coach Scott Robertson as the most famous team in rugby union seek to rediscover their best form ahead of the World Cup in 2027. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026

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