soccer

noun

soc·​cer ˈsä-kər How to pronounce soccer (audio)
: a game played on a field between two teams of 11 players each with the object to propel a round ball into the opponent's goal by kicking or by hitting it with any part of the body except the hands and arms

called also association football, football

Examples of soccer in a Sentence

Both of their children play soccer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mattresses from the Spanish brand Sivana (founded by former soccer player Miguel Serna) are hypoallergenic and handmade from natural materials (horsehair, linen, wool, and virgin cotton). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 That love, or near obsession, for soccer was passed down to Mehmeti, who still lives at home today. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 That means fewer children playing soccer and attending preschool, fewer meals being served — and fewer success stories like the ones told by Abdallah and Annour. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Portuguese soccer club Os Belenenses may not be top of mind for global soccer fans. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soccer

Word History

Etymology

by shortening & alteration from association football

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soccer was in 1885

Phrases Containing soccer

Rhymes for soccer

See All Rhymes for soccer

Browse Nearby Words

so-called dollar
soccer
soccer mom
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soccer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soccer. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

soccer

noun
soc·​cer ˈsäk-ər How to pronounce soccer (audio)
: a football game with 11 players on a side in which a round ball is advanced by kicking it or by hitting it with any part of the body except the hands and arms
Etymology

by shortening and alteration of association football

Word Origin
Soccer is the world's most popular sport. In most countries, however, its name is not soccer but football. In England, where the modern game started, it is usually called either football or association football. The latter name comes from the fact that the rules of the game were standardized when the Football Association was founded in England in 1863. The word soccer comes from the last three letters of the abbreviation assoc., which stands for "association." Although the word soccer was first used in England, the only countries where it is now the usual name for the sport are the U.S. and Canada.

More from Merriam-Webster on soccer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about soccer

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