Rugby

[ ruhg-bee ]

noun

1. Usually rugby. Also called rugger, a form of football, played between two teams of 15 members each, that differs from soccer in freedom to carry the ball, block with the hands and arms, and tackle, and is characterized chiefly by continuous action and prohibition against the use of substitute players.
2. a town in Warwickshire, in central England.
3. a coeducational preparatory school in Rugby, England, founded in 1567.

rugby

¹

/ ˈrʌɡbɪ /

noun

1. Also calledrugger a form of football played with an oval ball in which the handling and carrying of the ball is permitted
2. another name for Canadian football

Rugby

²

/ ˈrʌɡbɪ /

noun

1. a town in central England, in E Warwickshire: famous public school, founded in 1567. Pop: 61 988 (2001)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rugby¹

Probably earlier than 1835–40 Rugby fordef 1; Middle English Rokeby, Rookby, Old English Rocheberie, possibly earlier Hrōcaburg, Hrōceburh (unrecorded) “Hroca's fort,” influenced by Old Norse býr “town, settlement”; borough ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rugby¹

C19: named after the public school at Rugby, where it was first played

Example Sentences

He was an avid supporter of Everton, his local football club Cliftonville and Ballymena rugby club.

From BBC

The New Zealander, who has rejected speculation that there is a break clause after next year's Six Nations in his contract, said he would resign if it was in the interests of Welsh rugby.

From BBC

Gatland added that he understands "the pressures of international rugby with performances and results".

From BBC

Given rugby union's recent history of potentially-revolutionary ventures failing to get off the ground, supporters and players can be forgiven for treating this latest project with caution, especially as sources involved in the process have said it remains in the "very early stages of development".

From BBC

While a new global tournament would be staged away from international windows, the different selection policies of each nation would affect whether those involved could play Test rugby.

From BBC

Related Words

• soccer