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

The one exception is teams from UEFA, the massive confederation overseeing European soccer.

From Los Angeles Times

The Scottish men’s soccer team later that day beat Denmark 4-2 to reach next year’s tournament.

From The Wall Street Journal

Peacock’s also got NFL Sunday Night Football, and a full slate of NBA, college basketball, Premier League soccer and winter sports.

From MarketWatch

“I’ll get to join more of his soccer practices,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Farfan took his usual jog around the neighborhood after practice and ended up on the field while Lopez held a soccer practice.

From Los Angeles Times