Scrimmage: meaning, definitions and examples

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scrimmage

 

[ ˈskrɪmɪdʒ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

sports practice

A scrimmage is a practice session in sports where teams or players compete against each other in a simulated game situation. It usually involves practicing plays, strategies, and team formations without the pressure of an official game. Scrimmages can help players improve their skills and teamwork before entering formal competitions. These practices are common in various sports, including football, basketball, and soccer.

Synonyms

exhibition game, practice match, training game

Examples of usage

  • The team held a scrimmage to prepare for the upcoming game.
  • During the scrimmage, players practiced their offensive plays.
  • The coach organized a scrimmage to assess the new players' skills.
Context #2 | Verb

engage in practice

To scrimmage means to participate in a scrimmage, where players team up to practice their skills and strategies in a game-like environment. This can involve informal games where the rules are relaxed, allowing players to focus on improving specific areas of their performance. The verb form is often used in the context of preparing for upcoming league matches or tournaments.

Synonyms

practice, rehearse, train

Examples of usage

  • We will scrimmage against another team this weekend.
  • The players scrimmaged to fine-tune their strategies before the season.
  • During practice, the team scrimmaged to enhance their defensive tactics.

Translations

Translations of the word "scrimmage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jogo-treino

🇮🇳 खेल अभ्यास

🇩🇪 Übungsspiel

🇮🇩 permainan latihan

🇺🇦 тренувальна гра

🇵🇱 gra treningowa

🇯🇵 練習試合

🇫🇷 match d'entraînement

🇪🇸 partido de entrenamiento

🇹🇷 antrenman maçı

🇰🇷 훈련 경기

🇸🇦 مباراة تدريبية

🇨🇿 přátelské utkání

🇸🇰 prípravný zápas

🇨🇳 训练赛

🇸🇮 trening tekma

🇮🇸 æfingaleikur

🇰🇿 жаттығу ойыны

🇬🇪 მზადების მატჩი

🇦🇿 təlim oyunu

🇲🇽 partido de entrenamiento

Etymology

The word 'scrimmage' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the noun 'scrimmage,' which initially referred to a confused fight or skirmish, particularly in a sporting context. It can be traced back to the late 18th century as a variant of 'scrimmage' in military terminology. The connections between sport and military terminology are common, as both share themes of strategy and competition. Over time, in American sports, particularly football and basketball, 'scrimmage' evolved to represent a practice situation where the teams compete against one another without the formality of a regulated game. The term has since become widely used across various team sports to refer to practice sessions that simulate competition.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,199 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.