–noun

1.

a game in which two opposing teams 4da of 11 players each defend goals at opposite ends of a field having goal posts at each end, with points being scored chiefly by carrying the ball across the opponent's goal line and by place-kicking or drop-kicking the ball over the crossbar between the opponent's goal posts. Compare conversion (def. 13), field goal (def. 1), safety (def. 6), touchdown.

2.	the ball used in this game, an inflated oval with a bladder contained in a casing usually made of leather.

3.	Chiefly British. Rugby (def. 3).

4.	Chiefly British. soccer.

5.	something sold at a reduced or special price.

6.	any person or thing treated roughly or tossed about: They're making a political football of this issue.

7.	(initial capital letter) U.S. Government Slang. a briefcase containing the codes and options the president would use to launch a nuclear attack, carried by a military aide and kept available to the president at all times.

–verb (used with object)

8.	Informal. to offer for sale at a reduced or special price.

–verb (used with object)

1.	to wager with (something or someone).

–verb (used without object)

2.	to make a wager: Do you want to bet?

–noun

3.	a pledge of a forfeit risked on some uncertain outcome; wager: Where do we place our bets?

4.	that which is pledged: a two-dollar bet.

5.	something that is bet on, as a competitor in a sporting event or a number in a lottery: That horse looks like a good bet.

6.	an act or instance of betting: It's a bet, then?

—Idiom

7.	a person, plan of action, etc., considered as being a good alternative; choice: Your best bet is to sell your stocks now.

8.	you bet! Informal. of course! surely!: You bet I'd like to be there!