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 19-piece collection culls inspiration from American collegiate themes like plaid, rugby stripes and other sport motifs. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Nov. 2025

Instead, as part of a family of athletes, Schuster-Koloamatangi saw rugby as a possible career path. —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025

The final five taking on the finale tonight are Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed, rugby player Joe Marler, history presenter David Olusoga, comedian Alan Carr and singer-songwriter Cat Burns. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025

Brisbanites are sports-obsessed, their loyalty split between the Broncos (rugby league), Reds (rugby union), and Lions (AFL). —Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 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