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Definition of goal

goal

/ɡoʊl/
goal

Plural:goals
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goal Lexical Profile

goal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The desired result, achievement, or destination toward which effort and planning are directed; an aim or objective.

Example

"Her primary goal for the year was to improve her fluency in Spanish."


2

An instance of successfully scoring points in a game by sending the ball or puck into the designated scoring area.

Example

"The team celebrated wildly after scoring the winning goal in the final minutes of the match."


3

A physical structure, typically consisting of two posts and a crossbar often fitted with a net, into or over which players must hit a ball or puck to score in various sports.

Example

"The striker kicked the ball perfectly into the top corner of the goal."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for goal

• Rhymes for goal

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'gol' meaning boundary or limit, of uncertain origin but possibly related to Old English 'gāl' (obstacle or barrier). Its modern usage in sports to denote a scoring boundary emerged in the early 16th century, later extending metaphorically to any ambitious aim.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Goal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/goal
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