field goal

noun

1

: a score of three points in football made by drop-kicking or placekicking the ball over the crossbar from ordinary play

2

: a goal in basketball made while the ball is in play

Examples of field goal in a Sentence

He kicked a 20-yard field goal.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Broncos closed it out with a game-winning field goal to defeat the Seahawks 17-14. — Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Tony Franklin of Texas A&M kicks two field goals over 60 yards for an NCAA record. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Nickelback Ja'Quan McMillian recorded a sack on the first drive of the game and his interception in overtime set up Wil Lutz's game-winning field goal. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Broncos kicker Wil Lutz drilled a 53-yard field goal in overtime to elevate Denver to a 17-14 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for field goal

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

field goal

noun

1

: a score of three points in football made by kicking the ball over the crossbar during ordinary play

2

: basket sense 3b