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

At various points, the company has struggled to meet spending requirements at those clubs, frustrating team officials and worrying soccer regulators. —Tariq Panja, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2024

But when her former soccer player husband is away, Victoria and her daughter make sure to have glam nights. —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024

Names that will be well known in the broader global women’s soccer circle should be just as exciting. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2024

One of the oldest rivalries in sports takes to the soccer pitch Sunday as Real Madrid hosts FC Barcelona for the 2024 El Clásico game. —Tim Chan, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024

And in one more clip, Nina learns how to navigate her anger from missing a goal during her first soccer game. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 19 Apr. 2024

Alastair Grant—Getty Images This comes after the Prince of Wales was spotted by photographers watching an Aston Villa soccer game with his eldest son, Prince George, 10, last week. —Anna Gordon, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024

The family-friendly event features two inflatable obstacle courses, interactive children’s activities, face painting and a soccer shootout game. —Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024

The following month, Harris filed for divorce from wife and fellow soccer pro, Ali Krieger. —Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 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.