Rugby

[ruhg-bee]

noun

1. Also called rugger. Also called Rugby football. Usually rugby a form of football, played between two teams of 15 members each, that differs from soccer in freedom to carry the ball, block with the hands and arms, and tackle, and is characterized chiefly by continuous action and prohibition against the use of substitute players.

2. a town in Warwickshire, in central England.

3. a coeducational preparatory school in Rugby, England, founded in 1567.

rugby

¹

/ ˈrʌɡbɪ /

noun

1. Also called: rugger. a form of football played with an oval ball in which the handling and carrying of the ball is permitted

2. another name for Canadian football

Rugby

²

/ ˈrʌɡbɪ /

noun

1. a town in central England, in E Warwickshire: famous public school, founded in 1567. Pop: 61 988 (2001)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rugby¹

Probably earlier than 1835–40 Rugby for def. 1; Middle English Rokeby, Rookby, Old English Rocheberie, possibly earlier Hrōcaburg, Hrōceburh (unrecorded) “Hroca's fort,” influenced by Old Norse býr “town, settlement”; borough ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of rugby¹

C19: named after the public school at Rugby, where it was first played

Example Sentences

"The Doddie Aid cycle ride from Scotland to Rome changed everything," he added in the interview with The Rugby Paper.

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The three-time British and Irish Lions tourist made the announcement two months before the start of the Rugby World Cup, citing wear and tear on his body.

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Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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Former England centre Luther Burrell says going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

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"The RFU has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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Related Words

• soccer