goaltending

noun goal·tend·ing \ ˈgōl-ˌten-diŋ \

|Updated on: 19 Aug 2018

Definition of goaltending

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

Recent Examples of goaltending from the Web

Chayka has made a point about building the roster through premium positions, including elite defenseman and a sturdy goaltending duo.

— richard morin, azcentral, "Arizona Coyotes' improved reputation among 5 observations after the opening of free agency," 2 July 2018
Image With a healthier defense, elite goaltending and arguably the best top-six forward group in the West, the Jets soared into contender status this season.

— andrew knoll, New York Times, "N.H.L. Western Conference Finals: A Long Shot vs. the Longest Shot," 11 May 2018
That play was set up by James' huge block at the other end, which Oladipo said after the game should have been ruled a goaltending violation.

— chuck schilken, latimes.com, "LeBron James blocks a shot that should have been goaltending, then hits game-winner in Game 5 [Video]," 26 Apr. 2018
However, the ball appeared to hit the backboard before James touched it — a goaltending violation.

— matt eppers, USA TODAY, "Pacers: LeBron James' block on Victor Oladipo was 'clearly' goaltending," 26 Apr. 2018
Lundqvist has been their franchise goalie for 13 seasons and is now eighth in career goaltending wins with 431.

— allan kreda, New York Times, "The Lundqvist Era Started in the 7th Round. Where Will the Rangers Find a New Foundation?," 22 June 2018
Westbrook rebounded from a 3 for 9 start with the 17-point fourth quarter, including a huge three and a layup (goaltending was called) in aan 18-second span that stretched the Thunder’s one-point lead to six with under two minutes left.

— barry jackson, miamiherald, "Heat leads entering fourth but loses to Westbrook-led Thunder," 23 Mar. 2018
The Penguins were lucky that the Flyers’ goaltending was worse in the first round.

— jace evans, USA TODAY, "NHL playoffs 2018: Second-round predictions," 26 Apr. 2018
The Raptors went up by 2, but Wall pulled the Wizards even with a layup that drew a goaltending call, then put them in front to stay by feeding Markieff Morris for another layup.

— the associated press, New York Times, "LeBron James Scores 32 as Cavaliers Tie Series With Pacers," 23 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'goaltending.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.