A2noun1K

Soccer

UK /["/ˈsɒkə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈsɑːkər/"]/

Definition

a game played by two teams of 11 players, using a round ball which 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 of eleven players who try to kick a ball into the other team's goal.

Examples

  • I **played soccer** when I was younger.
  • a **soccer team/club/player/fan**
  • a **soccer match/game**
  • a **soccer field**
  • a soccer pitch/stadium
  • They were watching a game of soccer on TV.
  • He played on the Irish junior soccer team.
  • He was wearing a yellow Brazil soccer jersey.
  • The kids are at soccer practice.

Usage notes

Commonly used in most English-speaking countries, particularly in the U.S. where it's distinguished from 'football.' Used in both casual conversation and formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'sock' because players wear special socks, and they kick the 'ball'.

Collocations

  • amateur
  • pro
  • professional
  • game
  • play
  • watch
  • ball
  • field
  • ground
  • be on the soccer team

Synonyms

  • football
  • kickball
  • association football

Antonyms

  • basketball
  • tennis
  • baseball

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'football' in countries outside the U.S.
  • Using 'soccer' to refer to American football.
  • Capitalizing 'soccer' unnecessarily.