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

So instead, Illinois leaders are taking the easy way out by moving the goalposts to their benefit. —Bruce Rauner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

The rookie's kick never had a chance, sailing well to the right of the goalposts as the Steelers poured onto the field to celebrate their first division title in five years. —Arkansas Online, 5 Jan. 2026

Landeskog did not finish a 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena after crashing into a goalpost during the second period. —Rob Rossi, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

The phrase—meaning when a worker badges in just long enough to have the proverbial cup of coffee before commuting somewhere else to keep working remotely—vividly illustrates how the goalposts have shifted from where to when. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Jan. 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