foot·ball 
/ˈfʊtˌbɑ:l/ noun
plural foot·balls /ˈfʊtˌbɑ:l/ noun 1 [noncount] : any one of several games in which two teams try to get a ball to the goals at each end of a large field: such as a US : an American game that is played between two teams of 11 players each and in which the ball is moved forward by running or passing
▪ He played a lot of football in high school and college.
b : a similar Canadian game between two teams of 12 players each
c Brit : soccer
d Brit : rugby 2 [count] : a ball filled with air that is used in the game of football — see picture at ball
▪ He played a lot of football in high school and college.
b : a similar Canadian game between two teams of 12 players each
c Brit : soccer
d Brit : rugby
political football
: an issue that politicians argue about and try to use for their advantage
▪ This issue is too important to be treated as a political football.
▪ This issue is too important to be treated as a political football.
