Meaning & Definition of word "Ruck"

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    Ruck

    /rʌk/

    noun:

    • 1. A disorderly crowd or mass; a large group of people or things that are tangled or disorganized.
      • Example: The ruck in the middle of the field made it difficult for the players to find their positions.
    • 2. In rugby, a situation where players from both teams gather closely around a loose ball on the ground.
      • Example: The referee called for a scrum after the ball was held in the ruck.
    • 3. A confused or disorderly mass.
      • Example: The ruck of clothes on the floor was an indication that laundry day had been forgotten.

    verb:

    • 1. To crowd or gather, often in a disorganized manner.
      • Example: As the doors opened, the fans began to ruck towards the stage.
    • 2. To engage in a ruck, especially in rugby, to contest for possession of the ball.
      • Example: The players rucked fiercely, trying to win back the ball.

    Etymology

    Possibly from Middle Dutch 'rucke' meaning a heap.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    in a ruck:

    in a state of confusion or disorder

    ruck up:

    to create a ruck or crease in fabric

    the ruck of the game:

    mixed players involved in a tactical situation in sports

    Related Words

    ruckus:

    a disturbance or commotion

    scrum:

    a method of restarting play in rugby involving players packing closely together.

    tangle:

    to twist together or confuse

    Slang Meanings of ruck

    Meaning: To throw or mix up.

    Example Sentence: He rucked his clothes in the bag.

    Meaning: A fight or scuffle.

    Example Sentence: There was a bit of a ruck outside the bar.