scrum

American  

[skruhm] / skrʌm /

noun

1. a rugby play in which three members of each team line up opposite one another with a group of two and a group of three players behind them: the ball is then rolled between the opposing front lines and players attempt to kick the ball backward to a teammate.

2. a project management method often used in agile development, centering around a small team with a schedule of short, fixed-length work cycles, each of which is used to complete some chunk of a complex or ongoing project.

3. a place or situation of confusion and racket; hubbub.

4. a chaotic, rushed attempt by multiple reporters to question one or more politicians, celebrities, etc..

   The minister always left meetings through a back door to avoid the daily scrum.

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verb (used without object)

scrummed, scrumming

1. to engage in a scrum.

scrum British  

/ skrʌm /

noun

1. rugby the act or method of restarting play after an infringement when the two opposing packs of forwards group together with heads down and arms interlocked and push to gain ground while the scrum half throws the ball in and the hookers attempt to scoop it out to their own team. A scrum is usually called by the referee ( set scrum ) but may be formed spontaneously ( loose scrum )

2. informal a disorderly struggle

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verb

1. rugby to form a scrum

Etymology

Origin of scrum

First recorded in 1885–90; short for scrummage

Example Sentences

South Africa hammered Ireland in the scrum, leading many pundits to question how other sides can even get close to nullifying their forward power.

From Barron's

The early South African power told with an scrum penalty conceded by Wales prop Keiron Assiratti, who endured a torrid afternoon.

From BBC

While Farrell was buoyed by his team's second-half efforts, he bemoaned "stupid errors" and admitted Ireland lost their composure in the face of a dominant South African scrum.

From BBC

"Having that many scrums wasn't pleasing on the neck, but they are a quality side with a quality pack," he said.

From Barron's

It took Bielle-Biarrey and his iconic red scrum hat's Test try tally to 20 in 22 appearances since his international bow in 2023.

From Barron's