foosball

American  

[fooz-bawl] / ˈfuz bɔl /

noun

1. a tabletop game resembling soccer, in which each of two players tries to shoot a small ball into the opponent’s goal by operating rods that extend crosswise and out through the sides of the table and have miniature playing figures attached.

---

foosball British  

/ ˈfuːsˌbɔːl /

noun

1. Also called (esp in Britain): table football.  a game, often played in bars, in which opponents on either side of a purpose-built table attempt to strike a ball into the other side's goal by moving horizontal bars to which miniatures of footballers are attached

---

Etymology

Origin of foosball

First recorded in 1960–65; from German Fußball, Fussball, equivalent to Fuß, Fuss foot ( def. ) + Ball ball ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

There is also a second lounge space, which doubles as an entertaining center, and it comes with a cozy fireplace, a foosball table, and access to the patio.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

This can include a foosball table, pool table or dartboard.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Let's say your next-door neighbors are playing foosball in the middle of the night.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2024

There are also a Marley-branded jukebox and a few foosball tables.

From Washington Times • Nov. 30, 2022

“Are you talking about foosball? At the rec?”

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden