soccer

American  

[sok-er] / ˈsɒk ər /

British, association football

noun

1. a form of football played between two teams of 11 players, in which the ball may be advanced by kicking or by bouncing it off any part of the body but the arms and hands, except in the case of the goalkeepers, who may use their hands to catch, carry, throw, or stop the ball.

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soccer British  

/ ˈsɒkə /

noun

1. Also called: Association Football. 

   1. a game in which two teams of eleven players try to kick or head a ball into their opponent's goal, only the goalkeeper on either side being allowed to touch the ball with his hands and arms except in the case of throw-ins

   2. ( as modifier )

      a soccer player

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Etymology

Origin of soccer

First recorded in 1890–95; (As)soc(iation football) + -er ⁷

Compare meaning

How does soccer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Rugby vs. soccer

Example Sentences

Italy’s national soccer team failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The 20 Make Great Plays members play soccer, baseball, lacrosse, tennis and volleyball at Westlake High.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

The company lost focus, unsure if it was selling to sneakerheads or soccer moms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Management made the forecast as gains in running shoes, soccer gear and a rebound in North America run up against an array of other problems.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Mom, Dad, and I went out for ice cream on Sunday because Mom felt bad about missing my soccer game.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga