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.
a town in Warwickshire, in central England.
a coeducational preparatory school in Rugby, England, founded in 1567.
Also called: rugger. a form of football played with an oval ball in which the handling and carrying of the ball is permitted
another name for Canadian football
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”; see also borough ( def. )
How does rugby compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
In rugby, players pass an oval ball and tackle each other to score points, all while wearing minimal protective gear. Rugby is a high-energy sport that originated in England. In rugby, two teams compete to carry, pass, or kick the ball to score points by grounding it in the opponent's goal area or kicking it through their goalposts. Unlike American football, rugby players don't wear much protective gear, which makes the game intense and physical. Rugby is known for its teamwork, strategy, and the camaraderie among players, making it a popular sport worldwide.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Super Rugby Americas is growing every year and I think that's a good pathway for developing professional habits and preparing players," Contepomi said.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
Given a bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup is being pressed forward by Argentina, the nation's love for the sport could explode.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
If not, and a losing streak of five games extends to six or seven, Borthwick knows that the Rugby Football Union will be asked once more whether they back their man to the World Cup.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
Cheslin Kolbe, who jagged off the same foot to ice Owen Farrell's ankles in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, danced in at the end of that attack.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
Rugby season started in November, so playing on the team was a year-round commitment since it didn’t end until May.
From "Winger" by Andrew Smith
Fox, a New Zealander who is the son of rugby legend, finished the tournament on a scorcher with four birdies in the final six holes to complete an out-of-nowhere victory for a 39-year-old journeyman.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026
His grandfather, Merv Wallace, was a cricketer and his father, Grant Fox, was a record-setting rugby player for New Zealand.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026
Fox, the son of rugby legend Grant Fox, had never previously finished in the top 10 of any major tournament.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026
He is watching a showcase of the games which will be played at Invictus, including wheelchair rugby and pickleball, which combines tennis, table tennis and badminton.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
She was as big and beefy as a rugby player, with a permanent scowl on her face, but she spoke gently to Silena.
From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
