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

If defense wins championships, the Moorpark High boys’ soccer team is looking good for the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Baseballs are too small, soccer balls too heavy, but basketballs are just right.

From Literature

What must happen is that millions of soccer fans need hotel rooms in America this summer.

From MarketWatch

What worries soccer officials, politicians and diplomats isn’t just ICE’s aggression.

From Los Angeles Times

“It can sort of be like…your thing. Something you’re interested in or a hobby. Mine’s ‘soccergirl0505’ because my birthday’s May fifth, and I love watching soccer with my mom.

From Literature