Definition

Noun: A spherical, inflated ball specifically designed and used for playing the sport of soccer (association football).

Usage

The term "soccer ball" refers to the essential piece of equipment in the sport. It is used in contexts describing the game, its rules, and related activities. - The player kicked the soccer ball into the net for a goal. - All children must bring a soccer ball to practice. - The new soccer ball is made of synthetic leather.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Specifications: In formal contexts, "soccer ball" can refer to a ball meeting specific size, weight, and pressure regulations set by governing bodies like FIFA.
  • The match was delayed while the referee checked the pressure of the soccer ball.

Variants and Related Words

• Ball (noun): A more general term for any spherical object used in games or sports. "Soccer ball" is a specific type of ball.
• Football (noun): In many countries outside North America, "football" is the common term for the sport and its ball. "Soccer ball" is the specific term used primarily in the United States, Canada, and other regions to distinguish it from other types of football (e.g., American football, rugby football).

Synonyms

• Football (in international English contexts).

Notes on Meaning

The meaning of "soccer ball" is singular and concrete. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses, as it is a compound noun referring to a physical object. Its meaning is directly tied to the sport of soccer.

Noun

1. an inflated ball used in playing soccer