Main Entry: goal

Pronunciation: \ˈgōl, chiefly Northern especially in 1b & 3a also ˈgül\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English gol boundary, limit

Date: 1531

1 a : the terminal point of a race b : an area to be reached safely in children's games
2 : the end toward which effort is directed : aim
3 a : an area or object toward which players in various games attempt to advance a ball or puck and usually through or into which it must go to score points b : the act or action of causing a ball or puck to go through or into such a goal c : the score resulting from such an act

synonyms see intention

— goal intransitive verb

— goal·less \ˈgō(l)-ləs\ adjective