Rugby

Definition

The term "rugby" refers to a team sport played with an oval ball, where players attempt to score points by carrying, kicking, or passing the ball across the opposing team's goal line.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrʌɡ.bi/
• Respelling: RUG-bee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrʌɡ.bi/
• Respelling: RUG-bee

Etymology

The word "rugby" originates from Rugby School in Warwickshire, England, where the sport was first codified in the 19th century. It is derived from the name of the town of Rugby, which comes from Old English "hrōca" (rook) and "bēg" (settlement).

Derivatives

• Rugby player (noun)
• Rugby football (noun)
• Rugby union (noun)
• Rugby league (noun)
• Rugger (noun, informal)

Synonyms

• Rugby football
• Rugger (informal)
• Union (for rugby union)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "rugby" is widely used to describe the sport and its variations, such as rugby union and rugby league. For example, "He has been playing rugby since high school," or "The World Rugby Cup is an international tournament."

Related Terms

• Scrum: A method of restarting play in rugby.
• Try: A way of scoring points in rugby.
• Conversion: A kick after a try that earns additional points.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A team sport played with an oval ball, involving physical contact and strategic play: Refers to a competitive game between two teams in which players carry, kick, or pass the ball to score points by grounding it in the opponent’s in-goal area or kicking it through goalposts.
  • Example: "The school offers rugby as part of its sports curriculum."
• Any of the variations of the sport, including rugby union and rugby league: Refers to distinct forms of the game governed by different rules and organizations, each emphasizing different styles of play, team sizes, and scoring systems.
  • Example: "He prefers rugby union over rugby league."