football

American  

[foot-bawl] / ˈfʊtˌbɔl /

noun

1. a game in which two opposing teams of 11 players each defend goals at opposite ends of a field having goal posts at each end, with points being scored chiefly by carrying the ball across the opponent's goal line and by place-kicking or drop-kicking the ball over the crossbar between the opponent's goal posts.

2. the ball used in this game, an inflated oval with a bladder contained in a casing usually made of leather.

3. Chiefly British. Rugby.

4. Chiefly British. soccer.

5. something sold at a reduced or special price.

6. any person or thing treated roughly or tossed about.

   They're making a political football of this issue.

7. (initial capital letter) a briefcase containing the codes and options the president would use to launch a nuclear attack, carried by a military aide and kept available to the president at all times.

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verb (used with object)

1. Informal. to offer for sale at a reduced or special price.

football British  

/ ˈfʊtˌbɔːl /

noun

1. 1. any of various games played with a round or oval ball and usually based on two teams competing to kick, head, carry, or otherwise propel the ball into each other's goal, territory, etc See association football rugby Australian Rules American football Gaelic football

   2. ( as modifier )

      a football ground

      a football supporter

2. the ball used in any of these games or their variants

3. a problem, issue, etc, that is continually passed from one group or person to another and treated as a pretext for argument instead of being resolved

   he accused the government of using the strike as a political football

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Other Word Forms

• footballer noun

Etymology

Origin of football

First recorded in 1350–1400, football is from Middle English fut ball. See foot, ball ¹

Example Sentences

"How good he was as a player, he's the exact same as a manager. He's obsessed with football," said Williams.

From BBC

FSE said football's world governing body has "abused its monopoly position" in setting prices for the tournament, which begins on 11 June.

From BBC

They added that "the performances of French clubs competing on the European stage benefit French football as whole, with France currently occupying 6th place in the Uefa coefficient rankings for the 2025-26 season."

From BBC

The 61-year-old found one newlywed’s ring after searching an area of water the size of a football field, and delivered it to him at the airport minutes before his flight home.

From The Wall Street Journal

BBC Sport takes a look at what a few weeks off could mean for clubs fighting for the title, trying to secure European football next season or battling against relegation.

From BBC

Related Words

• soccer