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

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

Phil later remained an important figure in his son’s rugby career. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

It’s been seen in people who play contact sports, such as hockey, rugby or wrestling, experience military combat or experience domestic violence. — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 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