goalie

American  

[goh-lee] / ˈgoʊ li /

noun

1. a goalkeeper.

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goalie British  

/ ˈɡəʊlɪ /

noun

1. informal short for goalkeeper

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Usage

What does goalie mean? In sports like soccer (football) and hockey, goalie is an informal name for the goalkeeper, the player positioned in front of the goal whose job is to prevent the ball or puck from entering it (or crossing the goal line). Goalie can be used to refer to the position or the player. A goalie might say they play goalie. The position is usually officially called goalkeeper or goaltender, but goalie is very commonly used, especially in youth sports. In soccer, the goalkeeper is also sometimes called the keeper. Example: When I played soccer, I was the goalie, and I was pretty good, especially because I was quick and had long arms for my age.

Etymology

Origin of goalie

First recorded in 1920–25; goal + -ie

Explanation

In sports, the goalie is the player whose main job is to stop the ball or puck when the opposing team attempts to score a point. A soccer goalie is the only player allowed to grab the ball with her hands. Goalie is short for goalkeeper or goaltender. Soccer (or association football), hockey, water polo, and lacrosse are just some of the sports that use a goalie to intercept shots into the goal. Ice hockey and lacrosse goalies wear protective clothing and a face mask, while a soccer goalie's uniform is usually a distinctive color, different from other players.

Example Sentences

Rudy Giuliani had a yellow Labrador named Goalie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

Goalie Abigail Turley was the star during the penalty kicks for Santiago.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2025

TAMPA, Fla. — Goalie Tristan Jarry scored an empty-net goal and made 39 saves in the Pittsburgh Penguins; 4-2 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 on Thursday night.

From Washington Times • Dec. 1, 2023

Goalie Juuse Saros has 74 wins since 2021-22, second-most in the NHL behind the Rangers’ Shesterkin.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky wasn’t Florida’s starter when the playoffs began, but it’s difficult to picture them without him and his 11-2 record, 2.21 goals-against average and .935 save percentage.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2023