n.

1. 橄榄球；足球[U]
   He is on the college football team.

   他是大学橄榄球队的队员。

2. （橄榄球，足球用的）球[C]
3. 被踢来踢去的难题（或人物）[C]
   This has become a financial football.

   这已成为财政上的难题。

4. 装发动核子武器密码的公文包

n.

1. any of a number of forms of team game involving kicking a ball, in particular (in the UK) soccer or (in the US) American football.
2. a large inflated ball used in such a game.
3. a topical issue that arouses controversy:
   the use of education as a political football.