football
UK[ˈfʊtbɔːl]US[ˈfʊtbɔːl]
n
a game played by two teams of eleven players who try to kick a round ball into a goal
n
the large round ball used in this game
Morpheme Breakdown
foot
ball
foot
body part
ball
spherical object
Etymology
the word "football" is a transparent compound from two old english and old norse roots. it literally describes a game where a ball is propelled with the foot, distinguishing it from other ball games played with the hands or sticks. the term emerged in late middle english to codify a variety of medieval mob games with local rules, which later evolved into the codified modern sports of soccer and rugby. its formation follows the common germanic pattern of creating compound nouns to specify an object's use or method of play.
Analysis
Structure: foot (body part) + ball (spherical object)
"foot" is from old english "fōt", meaning the terminal part of the leg. "ball" is from old norse "bǫllr" or old english "beall", meaning a round object.
Examples
he plays football for the local youth team.
the children kicked a football around in the park.
the new football season begins in august.