scrum

American  

[skruhm] / skrʌm /

noun

1. a rugby play in which three members of each team line up opposite one another with a group of two and a group of three players behind them: the ball is then rolled between the opposing front lines and players attempt to kick the ball backward to a teammate.

2. a project management method often used in agile development, centering around a small team with a schedule of short, fixed-length work cycles, each of which is used to complete some chunk of a complex or ongoing project.

3. a place or situation of confusion and racket; hubbub.

4. a chaotic, rushed attempt by multiple reporters to question one or more politicians, celebrities, etc..

   The minister always left meetings through a back door to avoid the daily scrum.

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verb (used without object)

scrummed, scrumming

1. to engage in a scrum.

scrum British  

/ skrʌm /

noun

1. rugby the act or method of restarting play after an infringement when the two opposing packs of forwards group together with heads down and arms interlocked and push to gain ground while the scrum half throws the ball in and the hookers attempt to scoop it out to their own team. A scrum is usually called by the referee ( set scrum ) but may be formed spontaneously ( loose scrum )

2. informal a disorderly struggle

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verb

1. rugby to form a scrum

Etymology

Origin of scrum

First recorded in 1885–90; short for scrummage

Example Sentences

Most filed these claims to secure for themselves a position in the scrum for refunds, like music fans lining up overnight for tickets to a star’s upcoming concert.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite fading in the second half, Quesada's side's scrum - like in Dublin - was a real weapon in the game to win penalties.

From BBC

The Turner try and the Scotland scrum penalty at the end.

From BBC

Whether it's been age profile, a creaking scrum, a sputtering attack, the unsettled fly-half situation or a British and Irish Lions hangover, most of the discussion has been largely negative.

From BBC

"You know Maro is on your team -- he's talking to you at mauls, scrums, nominating and talking around the pitch," Heyes said.

From Barron's