plural goals
1
: something that you are trying to do or achieve
He set a goal for himself of exercising at least three times a week.
Her primary/long-term goal is to get a college degree.
We all share/have a common goal.
She pursued her goal of starting her own business.
The company has instituted several new policies with the goal of reducing waste.
achieve/accomplish/reach/realize a goal
2
a
: an area or object into which a ball or puck must be hit, kicked, etc., to score points in various games (such as soccer and hockey)
Note: If you are the player who guards the goal in a sport like hockey or soccer, your position is in goal.
Note: In U.S. English, a shot or kick that is on goal is directed at the goal.
b
: the act of hitting, kicking, etc., a ball or puck into a goal or the score that results from doing this
Last month he had 10 goals and six assists.
She scored the winning goal in the game's final minute.
The team was ahead by a goal [=was ahead by one] when the third period started.
Cite this Entry
“Goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/goal. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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