scrimmage

[skrim-ij]

noun

1. a rough or vigorous struggle.

2. Football.

   1. the action that takes place between the teams from the moment the ball is snapped until it is declared dead.

   2. a practice session or informal game, as that played between two units of the same team.

verb (used with or without object)

scrimmaged, scrimmaging 

1. to engage in a scrimmage.

scrimmage

/ ˈskrɪmɪdʒ /

noun

1. a rough or disorderly struggle

2. American football the clash of opposing linemen at every down

verb

1. (intr) to engage in a scrimmage

2. (tr) to put (the ball) into a scrimmage

Other Word Forms

• scrimmager noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrimmage¹

1425–75; late Middle English, variant of scrimish, metathetic form of skirmish

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrimmage¹

C15: from earlier scrimish, variant of _skirmish

Example Sentences

Instead, while players from both teams piled up near the line of scrimmage, he spun out to the right and ran untouched into the end zone for a 35-yard, game-winning score.

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That wasn’t indicative of what was to come, however, as Jacksonville dominated the line of scrimmage and the Chargers were as mild as the balmy day.

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Trailing 21-7, the Trojans got muddy and chilly and just plain mean, winning the line of scrimmage, winning the battle of skill, and eventually winning the game 26-21.

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How the Jaguars can win: Jacksonville can look like a playoff team when it wins at the line of scrimmage but tends to collapse when it gets pushed around.

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The Giants’ defense keeps it close, but Green Bay controls the line of scrimmage.

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Related Words

• scuffle 
• skirmish