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

A 145-year-old rugby club has been left reeling after a "devastating" fire swept through its clubhouse, destroying precious trophies and memorabilia.

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Penarth Rugby Club, which dates back to 1880, said the community was "in a state of shock" following the blaze in the early hours of Monday.

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The 29-year-old Olympic gold medallist in Rugby Sevens came on as a replacement 10 minutes into the second half and quickly showed glimpses of his brilliant best.

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Two years out from the Rugby World Cup, South Africa's opponents will be wondering how to stop their march to a record-extending fifth title and third in a row after the Springboks capped an impressive 2025 with an Autumn Nations Series clean sweep.

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South Africa retained their Rugby Championship crown as they enjoyed an exceptional year under Rassie Erasmus, the coach using some 50 players as he continued to develop strength in depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

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Related Words

• soccer