The word 橄榄球 is formed through a direct visual metaphor: 橄榄 means "olive", and 球 means "ball". The name originates from the shape of the ball used in the sport, which is not a sphere but an elongated prolate spheroid, closely resembling the shape of an olive fruit. Thus, the term literally means "olive ball", describing the sport (rugby or American football) by the distinctive form of its primary equipment.