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

For the season premiere, George's audiologist in the episode is voiced by Jodie Ounsley, the first deaf female rugby player to represent England. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026

There were also introductory sessions about blind soccer and wheelchair rugby, which both featured at the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024. —ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson is the site of the Games’ archery and rugby events. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026

The complex would include two covered turf fields, one with capacity for 10,000 spectators for football, rugby and baseball — and which could be reconfigured to host concerts. —Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 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