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

In January, Rihanna wore pieces from the label in a layered rugby-shirt and coat look, pairing the Vaquera separates with leggings and white Amina Muaddi heels. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026

Michael Fealey is a sport systems consultant with more than two decades of experience across professional sport, national governing bodies, and community rugby. —Michael Fealey, Sportico.com, 14 Feb. 2026

When that video goes viral, Zaf, also a former rugby player in need of good PR, proposes a fake relationship. —Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026

Kansas City has expressed interest in holding games in the 2033 women’s rugby World Cup coming to the United States, and officials see events like the Pacific Four Series strengthening its position. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 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