field goal

noun

1. Football.,  a three-point goal made by place-kicking or drop-kicking the ball between the opponent's goalposts above the crossbar.

2. Basketball.,  a goal made while the ball is in play.

field goal

noun

1. basketball a goal scored while the ball is in normal play rather than from a free throw

2. American football a score of three points made by kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts above the crossbar

Word History and Origins

Origin of field goal¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Related Words

• basket