scrum
|scrum|
/skrʌm/
tight, competitive close-pack or struggle
Etymology
'scrum' originates from English, specifically the shortened form of 'scrummage' (also spelled 'scrummage' or 'scrimmage'), where the longer form referred to a close or confused fight to gain possession.
'scrum' changed from the longer English word 'scrummage'/'scrimmage' used in the 19th century for a rough contest; in the late 19th century the shortened form 'scrum' became common in rugby usage and later extended figuratively and into management terminology.
Initially it referred to a rough fight or close contest; over time it became specialized to the rugby formation and was later metaphorically extended to mean a crowded struggle and, in modern contexts, an agile project-management framework called 'Scrum'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in rugby, a method of restarting play in which the forwards of each team bind together and push against each other to contest possession of the ball.
The team won the scrum and the ball was moved out to the backs.
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Noun 2
an unruly or disorderly crowd or close group of people competing for something; a muddled struggle.
There was a scrum at the shop entrance when the sale started.
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Noun 3
scrum (capitalized often): an agile framework for managing complex projects, especially in software development, characterized by short iterative cycles called sprints and roles like Scrum Master and Product Owner.
Our team uses Scrum to organize the work into two-week sprints.
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Verb 1
to form or engage in a scrum (in rugby): to bind together in a scrum.
The forwards scrummed after the infringement.
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Last updated: 2025/09/23 16:12