scrum

[skruhm]

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.

verb (used without object)

scrummed, scrumming 

1. to engage in a scrum.

scrum

/ 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

verb

1. rugby to form a scrum

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrum¹

First recorded in 1885–90; short for scrummage

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrum¹

C19: shortened from _scrummage

Example Sentences

O'Brien converted neither of Ireland's two tries but did add three points off the tee in the 38th minute after her pack had won a scrum penalty.

From BBC

What does try, ruck and scrum mean in rugby union?

From BBC

When a Phillies fan managed to pull it out of the scrum and hoist it into the air in victory, crowds in that section cheered.

From Salon

Canada then demolished a scrum under the Scottish sticks, the referee adjudged the Scots had halted the momentum illegally and awarded a penalty try.

From BBC

McGhie then broke from Scotland's half to set up Scotland's third, the forwards trucked it up to the line allowing Brebner-Holden the opportunity to snipe as all good scrum halves do.

From BBC