scrimmage

1 of 2

noun

scrim·​mage ˈskri-mij 

1

a

: a minor battle : skirmish

b

: a confused fight : scuffle

2

a

: the interplay between two football teams that begins with the snap of the ball and continues until the ball is dead

b

: practice play (as in football or basketball) between two squads

scrimmage

2 of 2

verb

scrimmaged; scrimmaging

intransitive verb

: to take part in a scrimmage

transitive verb

: to play a scrimmage against

scrimmager noun

Synonyms of scrimmage

Noun

• skirmish
• clash
• battle
• fight

Verb

• fight
• battle
• clash (with)
• war (against)
• skirmish (with)
• combat

Examples of scrimmage in a Sentence

Noun

The first play from scrimmage netted them a touchdown.

the two players got into a scrimmage off the court and got suspended

Verb

Last weekend we scrimmaged against Bell High.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With their scrimmage coming up the following day, the practice had a walkthrough type of feeling to it. —Gabriel Duarte, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

His versatility offers the best chance for playing time from scrimmage, likely in sub packages. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

Verb

And once she is cleared to scrimmage with practice players, the Sky will be able to set a realistic timeline for her return to practice — and live action games. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

The squads have scrimmaged each other a bunch — and even have some connective tissue in Brandt Bronico, who is now with CLTFC but played for the Independence for a time — but never in a real setting like this one. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scrymmage, alteration of skyrmissh skirmish

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1536, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing scrimmage

• line of scrimmage
• scrimmage line

Rhymes for scrimmage

• image

Kids Definition

scrimmage

1 of 2 noun

scrim·​mage ˈskrim-ij 

1

: a minor battle : skirmish

2

: the play between two football teams that begins with the snap of the ball

3

: practice play between a team's squads or a practice game between two teams

scrimmage

2 of 2 verb

scrimmaged; scrimmaging

: to take part in a scrimmage

scrimmager noun