Definition

To participate in a type of physical contest or struggle, often used in the context of sports, particularly rugby.

Example

The players began to scrummage for the ball after the referee's whistle.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see the way they scrummage during the game yesterday?

Yeah, it was really exciting to watch!

I love when they scrummage like that, it gets everyone on their feet.

Absolutely, it really shows the teamwork involved.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of play in rugby where players from both teams come together to gain possession of the ball.

Example

The players formed a scrummage to restart the game after a minor infraction.

Conversation

Did you see that scrummage during the game yesterday?

Yeah, it was so chaotic but really exciting to watch!

I love how everyone just piles in during a scrummage.

Root Explanation

Scrummage originates from the word 'scrum' (a term used in rugby, derived from the earlier English word 'scrummage', meaning a method of restarting play). The term 'scrum' itself is believed to be a shortening of 'scrummage', which refers to a tight formation of players. The word 'scrummage' thus refers to the act of engaging in a close, competitive struggle, particularly in a sports context.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'scrum' as a tight group of players in a competitive struggle, which helps you remember that 'scrummage' refers to engaging in that close, competitive action.

Visually Confused Words