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

Elevate the Rugby Shirt With Leggings and Loafers An oversized rugby shirt paired with slim pants and a turtleneck makes for a sharp, unexpected combination. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 9 July 2025

The first thing was sensing a weakening in rugby union’s grasp on Auckland. —Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 21 June 2025

The win marks Hanover’s first boys rugby state final since 2017 and avenges their loss in last year’s state final to Weymouth. —Marcello Rossetti, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025

The former Scottish rugby player and the Sunset Boulevard star met in 2019 on the set of The X Factor: Celebrity. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 8 June 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