Definitions

football

[foot-bawl] / ˈfʊtˌbɔl /

NOUN

a sport

Synonyms

STRONGEST

soccer

STRONG

rugby

WEAK

American football Association football Canadian football grid game gridiron pastime the pigskin sport

NOUN

the ball used in football

Synonyms

STRONG

moleskin oval peanut pigskin pineapple porker sphere watermelon

WEAK

inflated oval regulation football

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The 26-year-old grew up in Washington state and started focusing on a country music career after a broken leg ended his American football career.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

For me, football has been very much in the fabric of my life and my relationship with my friends.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

As it stands, sixth earns Europa League football.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Dan Fogelman, creator of “This is Us,” and a lifelong football fan, had long envisioned writing a dramatic series based on his favorite sport.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Then Mr. Brisbane said, “Just think, last year after Thanksgiving dinner, Jason and I threw the football around the backyard. Now I’m stuck here and Jason is in Tokyo.”

From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney