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

And Anaheim willingly taking a 2nd go-round with Henrique while downgrading their goaltending is the exact opposite of what the Ducks are trying to accomplish this off-season. —Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 June 2025

The 2010 championship was the byproduct of the maturing Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, strong goaltending from Antti Niemi and the acquisition of Marian Hossa — all of which propelled the Blackhawks to a second-place finish in the overall standings. —Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025

So, entering an offseason with only four defensemen on contract and questions at the goaltending position, Carolina’s forward depth is a position of strength for the team. —Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

The Clippers took advantage when Ivica Zubac (21 points, 13 rebounds) scored on a layup that was a goaltending call on Aaron Gordon, giving the Clippers a 96-95 lead with 1:11 left. —Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025

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