foot·ball

/ˈfʊtˌbɑːl/ noun, pl -balls

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

1 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.

1 b : a similar Canadian game between two teams of 12 players each

1 c Brit : ↑soccer

1 d Brit : ↑rugby

2 [count] : a ball filled with air that is used in the game of football

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.