goaltender

noun

goal·​tend·​er ˈgōl-ˌten-dər How to pronounce goaltender (audio)

Examples of goaltender in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ken Dryden, the Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender who backstopped the Montreal Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty, died on Friday at age 78 from cancer, the Canadiens announced. Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 Dryden continued to win awards for his performance on the ice hockey field, including the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in his first full season of 1971-72, and the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender five times, including during the 1972-73, 1975-76 and 1978-79 seasons. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 Last year former goaltender and current Panthers special advisor Roberto Luongo ate pasta from it at Heritage Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, while this year the Cup made its way to spots like Jaxson’s Ice Cream in Dania Beach. Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 But at Thursday’s captain’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena, the positive vibe-spouting Swayman – sounding like equal parts goaltender and self-help guru – was in attendance and eager to get training camp started. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goaltender

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goaltender was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Goaltender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goaltender. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

goaltender

noun
goal·​tend·​er -ˌten-dər How to pronounce goaltender (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on goaltender

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