scrum

[ skruhm ]

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. sprint ( def 6 ).
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.

verb (used without object)

, scrummed, scrum·ming.

1. to engage in a scrum.

scrum

/ 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

verb

1. intrusually foll bydown rugby to form a scrum

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrum¹

First recorded in 1885–90; short for scrummage

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrum¹

C19: shortened from scrummage

Example Sentences

Over the past five years, the golden generation of South Africa forwards have developed arguably the most formidable and feared scrum in rugby.

From BBC

The development of the now famous 'Bomb Squad' before the 2019 World Cup played a huge role, but their scrum runs deeper and has been part of their culture for decades.

From BBC

"That is where we are legally allowed to be physical and manhandle players, which will hopefully overflow into other moments on the field. When we scrum, we scrum to dominate."

From BBC

"South Africa are putting a massive emphasis on the development of props and especially the scrum," La Rochelle scrum coach Steenkamp added.

From BBC

"At my former school they start to give attention at the age of 14 and 15 to the finer techniques, so they are prepared for the ages of 15 and 16 when they have a proper contest in the scrum."

From BBC