scrum

noun

ˈskrəm

or scrummage

ˈskrə-mij

: a rugby play in which the forwards of each side come together in a tight formation and struggle to gain possession of the ball using their feet when it is tossed in among them

also : the arrangement of players in a scrum

: a usually brief and disorderly struggle or fight : scrape, scuffle

British : madhouse sense 2

: a usually tightly packed or disorderly crowd : throng

scrummage intransitive verb

Examples of scrum in a Sentence

I had to fight my way through the scrum of holiday shoppers at the mall. when the server spilled a drink on a customer, they got into a bit of a scrum before being separated

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In prior years before the mail-only procedure was established, the process resembled a scrum for coveted concert tickets as the lines would spill out of Town Hall. —

Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 Just outside the valet stand, a stellar scrum had assembled waiting for their rides. —

Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025 Such a strong, sturdy skater driving down ice and past D. Took a beating in some of the games sticking his nose in every scrum and attacking into contact. —

Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 Seconds later after the horn to end the period, another larger scrum developed around the Utah net. —

Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrum