Scrum
/skrʌm/noun
A rugby formation or, more broadly, a tightly coordinated group working closely together.
Did you know?The word is first recorded in rugby in the 19th century, and its exact origin is uncertain, though it may be an altered form of earlier English words meaning a crowd or crush.
Etymological Timeline
14th Century
Middle English
scrumme
“A crowd, crush, or press of people.”
16th Century
English
scrimmage
“A confused struggle or skirmish.”
19th Century
English
scrum
“A rugby formation in which players bind together and push for the ball.”
20th Century
English
scrum
“A tightly organized working meeting, especially in business or software development.”