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

Patrick Kane took a shot from the point that fluttered through traffic and bounced off Compher, who was parked at the goalpost. —CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

This program offers writers a better script development dynamic, without the endless notes and shifting goalposts that have become all too familiar. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026

But Minnesota failed to get closer despite a pair of late power plays, which included Kirill Kaprizov clanking the right goalpost with a shot. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026

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

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