scrimmage Definition
- 1a practice game or informal game that is played to prepare for a more important one
- 2a rough or confused struggle or fight
Using scrimmage: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scrimmage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The team had a scrimmage against the junior varsity squad.
Example
The coach used the scrimmage to test out new plays.
Example
The police broke up the scrimmage between the rival gangs.
Example
The two boxers engaged in a fierce scrimmage in the ring.
scrimmage Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with scrimmage
Example
The quarterback took the snap from the center and stepped back behind the line of scrimmage.
Example
The coach instructed the offensive line to hold their position on the scrimmage line.
Example
The coach handed out scrimmage vests to the players before the practice game.
Origins of scrimmage
from Middle English 'skirmishen', meaning 'to brandish a weapon'
Summary: scrimmage in Brief
The term 'scrimmage' [ˈskrɪmɪdʒ] refers to a practice game or informal game that is played to prepare for a more important one. It can also mean a rough or confused struggle or fight, as in 'The police broke up the scrimmage between the rival gangs.' 'Scrimmage' includes phrases like 'line of scrimmage,' which denotes an imaginary line on a football field where each play begins, and 'scrimmage vest,' which is a sleeveless vest worn by players during a scrimmage to differentiate teams.