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

Saturday local time in Newcastle, about 100 miles north of Sydney, as crowds of thousands of people were lining the street to see off the Newcastle Knights' rugby team, which was headed to Sydney for the grand final later Saturday, officials said. — Jason Volack, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

The former professional rugby player went on to thank Otley Rugby Club in West Yorkshire, where Phil played and served as the club’s captain in the 1970s, for honoring his father at their match over the weekend with a moment of silence. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

The legendary Māori athlete is also the leading female try scorer in New Zealand rugby history and the top try scorer in Rugby World Cup history across both men and women. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Try pairing a striking wine red rugby shirt with ivory corduroy pants to channel fall’s cozy aesthetic, then finish the look with matching loafers and a neutral belt. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 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