: 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
Examples of soccer in a Sentence
Both of their children play soccer.
Recent Examples on the Web
As well as the customary flowers, candles and notes, someone left an Aston Villa scarf, referencing Osbourne’s love for the soccer club.
—
Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 23 July 2025
The new soccer club's inaugural season is scheduled to kick off in 2026.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
As Manchester is home to two of England’s most storied soccer clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United, travelers should visit this city to sport the team’s kit and check out the pubs where locals cheer on their favorites.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 22 July 2025
The club’s branding was done by Matthew Wolff, a graphic designer who has created logos for many soccer clubs, including several in the NWSL.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for soccer
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Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 23 July 2025
The new soccer club's inaugural season is scheduled to kick off in 2026.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
As Manchester is home to two of England’s most storied soccer clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United, travelers should visit this city to sport the team’s kit and check out the pubs where locals cheer on their favorites.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 22 July 2025
The club’s branding was done by Matthew Wolff, a graphic designer who has created logos for many soccer clubs, including several in the NWSL.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for soccer
Cite this Entry
“Soccer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soccer. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
soccer
noun
soc·cer
ˈsäk-ər 
: 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.
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