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Soccer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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soccer

[ˈsɒkər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

popular sport

Soccer, also known as football in most countries, is a popular team sport played with a spherical ball between two teams of eleven players. The objective is to score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team's goal.

Synonyms

association football, football, fútbol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
soccer

Commonly used in the United States and Canada to refer to the sport of football played with a round ball on a rectangular field. It avoids confusion with American football.

  • My kids play soccer every weekend
  • The soccer team won the championship
football

Used in most countries outside of North America, including Europe, Africa, and Asia, to refer to the sport known as soccer in the US and Canada. It is the most popular term globally.

  • Are you going to watch the football match tonight? Football is my favorite sport
association football

Typically used in formal contexts or historical references to distinguish the sport from other types of football. It is less common in casual conversation.

  • The rules of association football were codified in England
  • Association football is played in over 200 countries worldwide
fútbol

This is the Spanish term for football (soccer). It is used in Spanish-speaking countries and communities.

  • Vamos a jugar al fútbol en el parque
  • El equipo de fútbol ganó la copa

Examples of usage

  • Soccer is the most popular sport in the world.
  • Many kids dream of becoming professional soccer players.
  • The World Cup is the most prestigious soccer tournament.
  • She practices soccer every day after school.
  • He watches soccer matches every weekend.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The modern version of the game originated in England in the mid-19th century, but variations have existed for centuries.
  • The word 'soccer' comes from 'association football,' which was shortened in the late 1800s as a slang term.
  • In the early days, rules varied greatly, with some games played with many players and no limits on the number of hands allowed.

Global Popularity

  • Soccer is the most popular sport globally, with over 3.5 billion fans, and it's played in nearly every country.
  • The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, is one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide, showcasing top national teams.
  • Countries like Brazil, Germany, and Italy have rich soccer legacies, winning multiple World Cups and producing legendary players.

Cultural Impact

  • Soccer can unite people across different cultures, often seen as a way to bridge divides and promote peace.
  • Film and literature frequently depict soccer, showcasing its cultural significance and the passion it ignites in fans.
  • Many famous songs and chants have been created around the sport, celebrating teams and their victories.

Science of the Game

  • The physics of ball motion in soccer involves principles of gravity, friction, and momentum, affecting how the ball curves and bounces.
  • Footwear technology has advanced to enhance players' performance by providing better grip, comfort, and ball control.
  • Injuries in soccer often lead to studies in biomechanics, helping to improve training techniques and player safety.

Famous Players

  • Pelé and Diego Maradona are often celebrated as two of the greatest soccer players in history, each with unique style and skill.
  • In recent years, players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the sport, each breaking numerous records.
  • Many players also engage in philanthropic efforts, supporting causes like education and health in their communities.

Origin of 'soccer'

The word 'soccer' originated in England in the late 19th century as a slang abbreviation of 'association' which was added to distinguish it from other forms of football. It is believed to have been first used in Oxford University as a way to distinguish between 'rugby football' and 'association football'.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,538, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.