: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last season’s deputy, Mark Travers, could well depart in search of more regular minutes, and a new goalkeeper would need to be sourced in that scenario. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 14 July 2026 The Cape Verde supporters also erupted in the 62nd minute when their beloved 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha denied Messi at point-blank range. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 In the 88th minute of a quarterfinal against Belgium on Friday, Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí launched a long-range shot outside the box that Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens blocked but bobbled. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026 Moon then chipped a nifty shot over Sacramento goalkeeper Danny Vitiello before sprinting to the corner kick flag and delivering a flying karate kick that snapped the pole at its base. Idaho Statesman, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for goalkeeper

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goalkeeper was in 1789

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Cite this Entry

“Goalkeeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goalkeeper. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

goalkeeper

noun
: a player who defends the goal in various games

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