goalpost

noun

goal·​post ˈgōl-ˌpōst 

: one of usually two vertical posts that with or without a crossbar constitute the goal in various games

Examples of goalpost in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, after years of failing to act at the scale demanded by the crisis, the Hochul administration is claiming that the goalposts must be moved. —Liz Krueger, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026

The goal seemed to wake up the visitors, who made a late second period push, which included Matt Boldy’s shot from the high slot that beat Wedgewood but clanked the left goalpost. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026

But biotech companies and agency critics have said that behind the scenes the goalposts are shifting and the agency is taking a harder line on some new therapies. —Bloomberg, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026

Hellebuyck’s paddle save on Devon Toews, a friendly goalpost and breakaway saves on Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini turned recent playoff misery into a distant memory. —Murat Ates, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for goalpost

• almost
• engrossed
• foremost
• hindmost
• impost
• inmost
• lamppost
• leftmost
• necrosed
• outpost
• pancoast
• rightmost

Kids Definition

goalpost

noun

goal·​post ˈgōl-ˌpōst 

: one of two upright posts that serve as the goal in various games