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

Leader, born in Galway, grew up playing rugby but became hooked on America’s gridiron game during the COVID-19 pandemic. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Support extends to local communities through partnerships with One Horizon, a non-profit focused on poverty alleviation and women's empowerment, and the historic Nondies Rugby Club, Kenya's oldest rugby team. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Luisa and Eseta's mother is from Tonga, a South Pacific island nation, where rugby is a national sport. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Growing up, Huntington Beach High senior Brianna Padilla-Massion played soccer, volleyball, basketball, soccer and rugby. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 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