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

The two Trojan tight ends had spent all last Saturday night moving around USC’s formations — split out wide, in the backfield, on the line of scrimmage — paving rush lanes and creating mismatches wherever they went.

From Los Angeles Times

Philadelphia’s strength along both lines of scrimmage should give the Eagles an edge, especially against a Cowboys defense missing Micah Parsons after the trade.

From Los Angeles Times

But as measuring sticks go, Saturday felt more along the lines of a well-orchestrated scrimmage.

From Los Angeles Times

On a series in the second quarter, he limited a swing pass to Isaac Guerendo to a one-yard gain, then stonewalled the 49ers running back at the line of scrimmage on the next play.

From Los Angeles Times

While teammates scrimmaged, she studied sets from the sidelines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• scuffle 
• skirmish