american football: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in everyday conversation, sports journalism, and academic discussions of culture.
Quick answer
What does “american football” mean?
A team sport played primarily in the United States, involving an oval-shaped ball, where players advance by running with or throwing the ball to score points by crossing the goal line or kicking it through goalposts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A team sport played primarily in the United States, involving an oval-shaped ball, where players advance by running with or throwing the ball to score points by crossing the goal line or kicking it through goalposts.
1. The institutional and cultural system surrounding the sport, including professional leagues (like the NFL), college competitions, and its role in American society. 2. Can refer to the ball itself used in the sport.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK and most other English-speaking countries, 'football' unmodified refers to soccer. The qualifier 'American' is always necessary to avoid confusion. In the US, 'football' alone typically refers to American football.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes national identity, tradition, and popular culture (e.g., Thanksgiving, Super Bowl). In the UK/elsewhere, it often connotes a distinct, foreign sport seen as highly strategic with frequent stops in play.
Frequency
High frequency in US media and conversation; lower frequency in other regions unless discussing US culture or specific events like the Super Bowl.
Grammar
How to Use “american football” in a Sentence
[Subject] plays American football.[Subject] is an American football [player/coach/fan].The [game/event] features American football.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american football” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- American football is gaining some popularity here, though it's still niche compared to rugby.
- He follows the NFL but doesn't fully understand all the rules of American football.
American English
- Friday night lights are all about high school American football in this town.
- The history of American football is deeply intertwined with colleges like Harvard and Yale.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referencing sponsorship deals, media rights, or franchise valuations related to the NFL.
Academic
In studies of sports sociology, media studies, or cultural anthropology examining American identity.
Everyday
Discussing weekend plans, favorite teams, or major events like the Super Bowl.
Technical
Analyzing player statistics, offensive/defensive formations, or injury protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american football”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american football”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american football”
- Using 'American football' as a countable noun for the ball (better: 'an American football'). Saying 'I play American football' when meaning 'I watch...'. Confusing it with 'football' without context outside the US.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in the United States, the term 'football' almost always refers to American football. The sport known as 'soccer' in the US is called 'football' in most other countries.
The name originates from older football games (like rugby football) from which it evolved. It is a 'football' code because it is played on foot (as opposed to on horseback), not because the ball is primarily kicked.
The National Football League (NFL) is the premier professional American football league in the world.
An American football is an elongated spheroid (oval-shaped) with pointed ends, designed for throwing and carrying. A soccer ball is a sphere.
A team sport played primarily in the United States, involving an oval-shaped ball, where players advance by running with or throwing the ball to score points by crossing the goal line or kicking it through goalposts.
American football is usually neutral to formal; common in everyday conversation, sports journalism, and academic discussions of culture. in register.
American football: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən ˈfʊt.bɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən ˈfʊt.bɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Monday morning quarterback (criticizing with hindsight)”
- “Hail Mary pass (a desperate long forward pass)”
- “move the goalposts (change the rules unfairly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember it's the football with the OVAL ball (like an American football) and players wear extensive PROTECTIVE gear (like helmets and pads), unlike soccer.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAR/BATTLE (e.g., 'quarterback under siege', 'defensive line', 'trench warfare'); CHESS (e.g., 'strategic play', 'called an audible').
Practice
Quiz
What is a key physical distinction between American football and soccer?