goat

1 of 2

noun

ˈgōt 

plural goats

1

a

or plural goat : any of various hollow-horned ruminant mammals (especially of the genus Capra) related to the sheep but of lighter build and with backwardly arching horns, a short tail, and usually straight hair

especially : one (Capra hircus) long domesticated for its milk, wool, and flesh

b

capitalized : capricorn

2

: a licentious man : lecher

3

: scapegoat sense 2

goatish

ˈgō-tish 

adjective

goatlike

ˈgōt-ˌlīk 

adjective

GOAT

2 of 2

abbreviation or noun

ˈgōt 

variants or less commonly G.O.A.T.

plural GOATs also G.O.A.T.s

: the greatest of all time : the most accomplished and successful individual in the history of a particular sport or category of performance or activity

As much fun as it is to debate who is the greatest in NBA history, it's pointless, a question for which there can be no definitive answer …. The list of players who could be considered the GOAT is long, and each one is worthy in his own right.

—Nancy Armour

There's no denying what Aaron Rodgers has done in his career, but to say Rodgers is the GOAT is a big statement considering what Tom Brady has accomplished.

—Pro Football Weekly

Former President (and arguably the GOAT of post-presidency careers) Jimmy Carter is leasing 10 acres of his Georgia peanut farm to SolAmerica to create a 1.3MW solar array.

—Walter Einenkel

If championships alone are the measuring stick, then Michael [Jordan] is probably going to remain the popular choice as the GOAT. But if I can go on aesthetics alone, I know I'd rather watch LeBron [James].

—Bob Ryan

Synonyms

Noun

• fall guy
• scapegoat
• whipping boy

Example Sentences

Noun

In the last inning, a home run can make you the hero, and a strikeout can make you the goat.

an unhappy childhood was the goat he used to rationalize every failure and shortcoming

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This supplement is made with key ingredients such as Tribulus Terrestris, horny goat weed, and maca root, all of which have been traditionally used to support men's health and vitality. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 June 2023

At times in the past people have brought miniature horses, goats, potbellied pigs and cats in strollers. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2023

The Stockyard Stables offers a wide range of activities for all ages, including daily stagecoach rides and a petting corral with animals like goats, sheep and camels. —Tamara Gane, Chron, 29 Apr. 2023

The diet encourages you to consume gluten-free grains, most vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, poultry, fish, eggs, plant milk, and goat or sheep’s milk products. —Korin Miller, Women's Health, 23 Apr. 2023

Children and baby goats scampered in dirt yards, but little else seemed to be happening. —Pamela Constable, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2023

Animal sources: For people with diabetes, plain Greek or Icelandic yogurt made from cow milk is ideal, but those crafted from the milk of goats and sheep also are great options. —Stacey Hugues, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023

Peoria Police Department captioned a Facebook photo of the wrangled goat. —Kye Graves, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2023

Before the Spanish invasion in the 15th century, the Guanche would climb the mountain every summer with their flocks of goats. —Sarah Souli, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English gote, from Old English gāt; akin to Old High German geiz goat, Old Norse geit, Latin haedus kid

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Abbreviation Or Noun

1996, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing goat

• billy goat
• get one's goat
• get someone's goat
• mountain goat
• nanny goat
• old goat
• the goat
• Angora goat
• cashmere goat
• goat cheese

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• billy goat
• get one's goat
• get someone's goat
• mountain goat
• nanny goat
• old goat
• the goat
• Angora goat
• cashmere goat
• goat cheese

See More

Kids Definition

goat

noun

ˈgōt 

plural goat or goats

1

: any of various cud-chewing mammals having hollow horns that curve backward, a short tail, and usually straight hair and related to the sheep but of lighter build

especially : one raised for its milk, wool, and flesh

2

: scapegoat

goatlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective