Definition

1. Noun:
   • The inflated oblong ball used in playing American football: A specific type of ball, typically made of leather or composite material, used in the sport of American football.
   • Any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal: A category of team sports involving a ball and opposing goals. The specific rules, ball shape, and methods of advancement vary globally (e.g., soccer, American football, rugby, Australian rules football).

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Referring to the ball):
  • The quarterback threw the football perfectly to the receiver.
  • He bought a new football for the big game.
• Noun (Referring to the sport):
  • The most popular sport in the world is football, which Americans call soccer.
  • He has played football since he was five years old.
  • American football is a major sport in the United States.

Advanced Usage

• "To play football": To participate in a game of football.
  • The children play football in the park every weekend.
• "Football game/match": A specific contest or event of the sport.
  • We are going to the stadium to watch the football match.
• "Football team/club": An organized group that plays football.
  • He was selected for the national football team.

Variants and Related Words

• Soccer (n): The specific form of football played under the rules of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), primarily using the feet to propel a round ball. (Common in U.S. English to distinguish it from American football).
• American football (n): A North American sport played with an oblong ball where players can carry, throw, and kick the ball to score points.
• Rugby football (Rugby) (n): A sport similar to American football but with continuous play and different rules, played with an oval ball.
• Footballer (n): A person who plays football, especially soccer, professionally or as a hobby.
  • He is a famous footballer from Brazil.

Synonyms

• Soccer (for the global sport).
• Gridiron (informal, for American football).
• The beautiful game (idiomatic for soccer).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A political football": An issue that is debated or exploited by opposing groups for political advantage, rather than being dealt with on its merits.
  • The topic of tax reform has become a political football in the election campaign.
• "To move the goalposts" (related idiom): To change the rules or conditions of a situation unfairly. This idiom originates from football/soccer.
  • Every time I meet the target, they move the goalposts and demand more.

Noun

1. the inflated oblong ball used in playing American football
2. any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal