Ruck

/rʌk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A disorderly crowd or mass; a large group of people or things that are tangled or disorganized.

The ruck in the middle of the field made it difficult for the players to find their positions.

In rugby, a situation where players from both teams gather closely around a loose ball on the ground.

The referee called for a scrum after the ball was held in the ruck.

A confused or disorderly mass.

The ruck of clothes on the floor was an indication that laundry day had been forgotten.

verb

To crowd or gather, often in a disorganized manner.

As the doors opened, the fans began to ruck towards the stage.

To engage in a ruck, especially in rugby, to contest for possession of the ball.

The players rucked fiercely, trying to win back the ball.

Possibly from Middle Dutch 'rucke' meaning a heap.

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

To throw or mix up.

He rucked his clothes in the bag.

A fight or scuffle.

There was a bit of a ruck outside the bar.