soccer

noun

soc·​cer ˈsä-kər 

: a game played on a field between two teams of 11 players each with the object to propel a round ball into the opponent's goal by kicking or by hitting it with any part of the body except the hands and arms

called also association football

Examples of soccer in a Sentence

Both of their children play soccer.

Recent Examples on the Web

David and Victoria both previously met Queen Elizabeth in light of their respective professions — David for his accomplishments in soccer, and Victoria with her Spice Girls band. —Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Last December, the team signed the hometown restaurant icon as a non-exclusive sponsor allowing the diner chain to use the soccer club's logo in marketing and advertising materials within a 75-mile radius of TQL Stadium, according to court documents. —Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2024

Andrea has played soccer for two years and plans to play another season this year. —Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024

The nation also won both U17 and U20 world titles in 2016 demonstrating a concerted excellence in women's soccer at youth level. —Asif Burhan, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

by shortening & alteration from association football

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing soccer

• soccer mom
• table soccer

Kids Definition

soccer

noun

soc·​cer ˈsäk-ər 

: a football game with 11 players on a side in which a round ball is advanced by kicking it or by hitting it with any part of the body except the hands and arms

Etymology

by shortening and alteration of association football

Word Origin

Soccer is the world's most popular sport. In most countries, however, its name is not soccer but football. In England, where the modern game started, it is usually called either football or association football. The latter name comes from the fact that the rules of the game were standardized when the Football Association was founded in England in 1863. The word soccer comes from the last three letters of the abbreviation assoc., which stands for "association." Although the word soccer was first used in England, the only countries where it is now the usual name for the sport are the U.S. and Canada.