scrimmage

American  

[skrim-ij] / ˈskrɪm ɪdʒ /

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.

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verb (used with or without object)

scrimmaged, scrimmaging

1. to engage in a scrimmage.

scrimmage British  

/ ˈskrɪmɪdʒ /

noun

1. a rough or disorderly struggle

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

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verb

1. (intr) to engage in a scrimmage

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

Other Word Forms

• scrimmager noun

Etymology

Origin of scrimmage

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

Example Sentences

Georgia got one snap from scrimmage and had some frantic fun with it, with players making nine lateral tosses like a fledgling rugby squad before quarterback Gunner Stockton was tackled to end the game.

From Los Angeles Times

On the game’s first play from scrimmage, Mendoza took a ferocious hit that knocked him off his feet and deposited him on the carpet, face down, arms wide.

From The Wall Street Journal

The formula for his release off the line of scrimmage?

From Los Angeles Times

The Trojans struggled often at the line of scrimmage.

From Los Angeles Times

Jacksonville looks like a playoff team when it can win at the line of scrimmage.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• scuffle
• skirmish