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 response, a progressive Afrikaner association has mounted their own campaign, with billboards showing the country's beloved rugby team, the Springboks. —NPR, 21 Nov. 2025

The kidswear includes rugby polos, cotton Ts and caps. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 2025

Just a few weeks back, the England women’s rugby team won that sport’s world cup. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 Nov. 2025

Born in Norfolk, a flat area on England’s east coast, my background was in rugby. —Tom Ward, Outside, 17 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