plural goats
1
a
or plural goat
: any of various hollow-horned ruminant mammals (especially of the genus Capra) related to the sheep but of lighter build and with backwardly arching horns, a short tail, and usually straight hair
especially
: one (Capra hircus) long domesticated for its milk, wool, and flesh
b
Goat
: capricorn
2
: a licentious man : lecher
GOAT
2 of 3abbreviation or noun
variants
or less commonly G.O.A.T.
plural GOATs also G.O.A.T.s
: the greatest of all time : the most accomplished and successful individual in the history of a particular sport or category of performance or activity
As much fun as it is to debate who is the greatest in NBA history, it's pointless, a question for which there can be no definitive answer … . The list of players who could be considered the GOAT is long, and each one is worthy in his own right.—Nancy Armour
There's no denying what Aaron Rodgers has done in his career, but to say Rodgers is the GOAT is a big statement considering what Tom Brady has accomplished.—Pro Football Weekly
Former President (and arguably the GOAT of post-presidency careers) Jimmy Carter is leasing 10 acres of his Georgia peanut farm to SolAmerica to create a 1.3MW solar array.—Walter Einenkel
If championships alone are the measuring stick, then Michael [Jordan] is probably going to remain the popular choice as the GOAT. But if I can go on aesthetics alone, I know I'd rather watch LeBron [James].—Bob Ryan
go at
3 of 3phrase
1
a
: to make an attack on
b
: to make an approach to
went at the problem from different angles
2
Cite this Entry
“Goat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goat. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
