goalkeeper

noun

goal·​keep·​er ˈgōl-ˌkē-pər 

: 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

With goalkeeper Alisson masquerading as Peter Crouch upfield in Liverpool’s attack, Szoboszlai aimed his delivery roughly in his direction from deep, but City’s Marc Guehi won the first header. —Simon Hughes, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Woodrow Wilson goalkeeper Kason Lloyd (1) dives in the opposite direction of a close-range penalty kick by Mesquite Poteet, February 6, 2026. —Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026

Parker’s rocket from the left side sailed over goalkeeper Kat Asman’s head, her first goal since March 23, 2025. —Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2026

But researchers worry that repeated, less dramatic blows, such as heading the ball, can also have long-term effects; there is evidence that players who regularly head the ball are at greater risk of dementia than those, such as goalkeepers, who do not. —semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for goalkeeper

• beekeeper
• bookkeeper
• doorkeeper
• gamekeeper
• gatekeeper
• housekeeper
• innkeeper
• minesweeper
• peacekeeper
• shopkeeper
• storekeeper
• timekeeper

Kids Definition

goalkeeper

noun

goal·​keep·​er ˈgōl-ˌkē-pər 

: a player who defends the goal in various games