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.
Expect to see families and multi-generational crews enjoying all the complimentary fun across three separate pool experiences, an outdoor volleyball court, a putting green, a soccer field, and yoga classes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 The Rancho Cordova City Council approved an additional $40,000 in funding for a traffic analysis of the future downtown arena project, set to bring arena soccer and other entertainment to the city. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 When Gianni Infantino was chosen to replace Sepp Blatter as president of FIFA, he was seen as a reformer, someone who would bring transparency and openness to soccer’s international governing body, which had long been mired in scandal and deceit. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 While the idea was marketed as a way for local businesses to capitalize on the thousands of soccer fans descending on the area, Kansas City also hoped the pilot program could be a viable way to boost the local economy. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of soccer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about soccer

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