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

Thirteen minutes away, the Current’s practice facility in Riverside won’t be used by its normal inhabitants preparing for their next match, but rather by high schoolers looking to learn more about rugby and hone their skills. —Matt Guzman, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2024

The Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, Emirates Dubai 7s rugby, and Dubai World Cup horse racing are just a few of the must-see tournaments for sports aficionados. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 June 2024

Photo: Getty Images A rugby match between the USA and France. —Marley Marius, Vogue, 22 June 2024

By Adri Salido Contributor June 20, 2024 | El Valle, Colombia Carolina Rodriguez strolls through the unpaved streets in her blue uniform and sneakers, calling out to boys and girls to remind them that rugby training is being offered today through the Rugby 4 Chocó program. —Adri Salido, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 June 2024

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