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

But the goalposts keep shifting, raising the stakes ahead of this week’s summit in Turkey. — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Following a 2-1 victory, the Scots invaded the pitch, tore up turf, and broke the goalposts. — Miami Herald, 19 June 2026

Even the goal of the Michelin star was kind of underplayed in the end — what seemed like the goalpost became a spiritual McGuffin. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Ronaldo is clearly more economical with his running — staying more static between the width of the goalposts — meaning Portugal are less fluid across the front line. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 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