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

Prada reimagined the uniform with unexpected pairings — rugby coats, mixed media wrap skirts and gloves that felt both nostalgic and new. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

Princess Kate smiled widely for the behind-the-scenes snap alongside rugby team members, two of whom wore similar cowboy hats featuring their red rose symbol. —Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

Holland, a former professional rugby league player, signed with WWE in 2018 and debuted at an NXT live event that same year. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

Potter learnt Spanish and sought advice from former England manager Roy Hodgson and current England rugby union head coach Steve Borthwick during his time away from the game. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 Sep. 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