goaltending

noun

goal·​tend·​ing ˈgōl-ˌten-diŋ 

1

: the act of guarding a goal (as in hockey)

2

: a violation in basketball that involves touching or deflecting a ball that is on its downward path toward the basket or on or within the rim of the basket

Examples of goaltending in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

McDavid was well under 50 percent in 2018-19, owing to spotty goaltending plus Milan Lucic (4-8 goals together in 98 minutes) and Jesse Puljujärvi (3-5 goals in 67 minutes). — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

McFeeters will serve as an assistant coach focused on development, while Popper will become the team's goaltending coach. — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026

Still, the Sharks likely can’t get below-average goaltending and expect to make the playoffs. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

Stillwater’s Casey Mork made nine saves in a scintillating goaltending duel with East Ridge counterpart Ryan Shanley, who stopped 11 shots. — Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for goaltending

• amending
• appending
• ascending
• attending
• befriending
• commending
• contending
• defending
• depending
• descending
• distending
• expending