goalkeeper

noun

goal·​keep·​er ˈgōl-ˌkē-pər How to pronounce goalkeeper (audio)
: a player who defends the goal in any of various games (such as hockey, lacrosse, or soccer)

Examples of goalkeeper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Also starting with Bellingham will be goalkeeper Andriy Lunin supported by a back line of Ferland Mendy, stand-in center back Aurelien Tchouameni, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 In the 38th minute, Sigala delivered a clean crossing pass to Portillo, who took a split second to control the ball before kicking the ball past the goalkeeper. Darren Sabedra, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 The goalkeeper made great back-to-back saves early to keep Miami in the game. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024 The attacker’s header nailed the bottom of the crossbar past the goalkeeper, then defender Adilson Malanda finished it off by heading it solidly into an empty net. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2024 Left back Alphonso Davies, midfielder Konrad Laimer and forwards Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman all remain injured, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and right back Noussair Mazraoui were rested Monday before returning to training Tuesday ahead of traveling to Italy. James Ellingworth, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024 On both goals, George was running toward the goal, chasing down the ball, while the goalkeeper left the goal, trying to get to the ball first. Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 11 Feb. 2024 After returning their top 11 scorers from last season and plucking the top goalkeeper from the transfer portal, the Blue Jays are poised to be a legitimate contender for the crown. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2024 The Blaugrana went 1-0 up on the stroke of half time thanks to Robert Lewandowski, but then surrendered their lead just a couple of minutes after the interval when Jules Kounde deflected an Iago Aspas shot past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'goalkeeper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goalkeeper was in 1789

Dictionary Entries Near goalkeeper

Cite this Entry

“Goalkeeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goalkeeper. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

goalkeeper

noun
goal·​keep·​er ˈgōl-ˌkē-pər How to pronounce goalkeeper (audio)
: a player who defends the goal in various games

More from Merriam-Webster on goalkeeper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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