Meaning & Definition of word "Ruck"

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.