Football

Definition

Football is a sport involving two teams competing to score points by moving a ball to the opposing team’s goal area. The term refers to different sports in various regions, including soccer (association football) globally and American football in the United States.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfʊtˌbɔl/
• Respelling: FOOT-bawl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfʊt.bɔːl/
• Respelling: FOOT-bawl

Etymology

The word "football" originates from the Old English "fot" (foot) and "beall" (ball), describing games played with a ball propelled by foot. It was first documented in the 14th century and became associated with organized sports in the 19th century.

Derivatives

• Footballer (noun)
• Footballing (adjective)
• Football field (noun)
• Football match (noun)
• Football fan (noun)

Synonyms

• Soccer
• Gridiron
• Rugby (in some contexts)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "football" is used in varying contexts globally. For example, "He plays football for the local club," referring to soccer in Europe, and "The football team won the championship," referring to American football in the United States.

Related Terms

• Goal: A point scored in football.
• Field: The playing area for football.
• Referee: An official overseeing the rules during a football game.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A team sport played with a ball: Refers to soccer or association football, played globally by two teams of eleven players.
  • Example: "The World Cup is the pinnacle of international football."
• American football: A sport played with a pointed oval ball, involving physical contact and strategy.
  • Example: "The Super Bowl is the championship game of American football."
• Informal use for the ball used in the sport: Refers to the spherical or oval object used in the game.
  • Example: "He kicked the football into the net."