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

Then came the Americans, who often acted as if they would have been content to slog through meaningless scrimmages in half-empty spring-training stadiums.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Super Bowl marked Walker's third straight playoff game with 100-plus scrimmage yards, making him the only player in Seahawks history to accomplish that feat.

From Barron's

He wants his quarterbacks to call their own play at the line of scrimmage based on how the defense is lined up.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is a remote camera hovering above and behind the line of scrimmage, replicating the perspective one sees in a video game.

From Los Angeles Times

But under pressure, Williams retreated so far to buy himself time that he found himself 26.5 yards behind the line of scrimmage when he threw the ball.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• scuffle
• skirmish