soccer

British, association football

[sok-er]

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.

soccer

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of soccer¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of soccer¹

C19: from ( as ) soc. + -er

Example Sentences

It’s literally golf with your feet, a soccer ball and an oversized hole.

From Los Angeles Times

A US State Department spokesperson told BBC Sport: "We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup."

From BBC

As a soccer class was ending last Thursday, an assistant coach fell to the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

Last spring, as he neared his final season in the Premier League with Tottenham, an English journalist — who rated players on charity, personality and sportsmanship — christened Son the nicest player in soccer history.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, it became the first tribe in North America to assume majority ownership of a men’s professional sports operation — the Sacramento Republic FC soccer team.

From Los Angeles Times