the aim or object towards which an endeavour is directed the terminal point of a journey or race (in various sports) the net, basket, etc into or over which players try to propel the ball, puck, etc to score a successful attempt at scoring the score so made (in soccer, hockey, etc) the position of goalkeeper
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
goal /goʊl/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- the result or achievement toward which effort is directed;
aim;
end:His goal was to become a famous statesman. - Sportan area or point toward or into which players of various games attempt to propel a ball or puck to score points.
- Sportthe act of propelling a ball or puck toward or into such an area or object.
- Sportthe score made by achieving this.
goal
(gōl),USA pronunciation n.
goal′less, adj.
- the result or achievement toward which effort is directed;
aim;
end. - Sportthe terminal point in a race.
- Sporta pole, line, or other marker by which such a point is indicated.
- Sportan area, basket, cage, or other object or structure toward or into which players of various games attempt to throw, carry, kick, hit, or drive a ball, puck, etc., to score a point or points.
- Sportthe act of throwing, carrying, kicking, driving, etc., a ball or puck into such an area or object.
- Sportthe score made by this act.
- 1275–1325; Middle English gol boundary, limit; compare Old English gǣlan to hinder, impede
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged target; purpose, object, objective, intent, intention.
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged finish.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
'goal post' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):