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

Thirty-two survivors — primarily members of the Old Christians Club amateur rugby team and their family and friends — had to resort to extreme measures to stay alive. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and partner Alan Bersten scored a 21 on the Salsa. Model and cover girl Brooks Nader and partner Gleb Savchenko scored a 20 on the Quickstep. —Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024

During the broadcast, fans couldn't help but notice that the tips of the rugby player's hands were stained pink. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2024

Olympic swimmer Caeleb Dressel and rugby player Ilona Maher will also make appearances. 2024 Emmys Nominees FX’s Shōgun came out on top with 25 total nominations, including for Outstanding Drama and Lead Actress and Lead Actor in a Drama. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 15 Sep. 2024

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