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

And although the matches were delayed by three hours, women’s rugby fans were boisterous while watching four of the best teams in the world. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2026

With a love of soccer, rugby or football, the left-footer has consistently embraced every opportunity to showcase his skills. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

Women’s flag football is one of four women’s sports on the NCAA’s emerging sports for women program, along with rugby, equestrian and triathlon. —Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026

That is exactly where the rugby shirt comes in this spring. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 Apr. 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