A1noun1K

Football

UK /["/ˈfʊtbɔːl/"]/US /["/ˈfʊtbɔːl/"]/

Definition

a game played by two teams of 11 players, using a round ball that players kick up and down the playing field. Teams try to kick the ball into the other team’s goal.

In simple words: A game played by two teams with a round ball that is kicked to score goals.

Examples

  • He loves to play football with his friends every weekend.
  • Football is the most popular sport in many countries.
  • She is watching a football match on TV right now.
  • The football team practiced hard for the championship.
  • In America, they call it soccer instead of football.

Usage notes

Use 'football' when talking about the sport itself. In American English, it often refers to 'American football', so clarify if needed. In other countries, it typically means soccer.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a ball that you kick with your foot on the field.

Collocations

  • attractive
  • good
  • entertaining
  • game
  • play
  • watch
  • follow
  • club
  • league
  • squad
  • attractive
  • good
  • entertaining
  • game
  • play
  • watch
  • follow
  • club
  • league
  • squad
  • leather
  • political
  • catch
  • kick
  • kick around

Synonyms

  • soccer
  • gridiron
  • futbol
  • kickball

Antonyms

  • non-sport
  • individual sports

Common mistakes

  • Confusing football with 'American football' in non-American contexts.
  • Using 'footballers' to refer to soccer players only, ignoring other types like American football.
  • Spelling 'football' as two separate words (foot ball).