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
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.
The Hawks missed a lot of buckets through the first three quarters, making just 43% of their field goals. Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Other draft events at Point State Park include an autograph stage, a field goal challenge, an NFL shop and photo opportunities with the Steelers' Vince Lombardi Trophies. Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 Vassell finished the game with four 3s to set a franchise record for most field goals from beyond the arc in a playoff debut. Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, 20 Apr. 2026 The Storm managed only two Lantz field goals — 46 and 45 yards — the rest of the way, but the defense held Birmingham in check. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for field goal

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of field goal was in 1883

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Field goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/field%20goal. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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

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