field goal

American  

noun

field goals plural

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.

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field goal British  

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• field goals
  plural

Etymology

Origin of field goal

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

field goal

When the New England Patriots blocked a field goal in this year’s AFC Championship game, putting the team on the cusp of a Super Bowl trip, Austin Sagan wasn’t cheering like his Patriots-obsessed dad.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026

Rioux dunks without jumping, a feat highlighted by his first college field goal against Saint Francis in December 2025 and a memorable March Madness moment in 2026 with an offensive rebound and put-back dunk.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026

James reached the points record earlier in part because Abdul-Jabbar played much of his career before the introduction of the three-pointer, but the field goal record is further testament to his longevity and prowess.

From Barron's ● Mar. 6, 2026

On the next possession, they intercepted Maye and soon set up kicker Jason Myers’s fifth field goal of the game, a Super Bowl record.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 9, 2026

Ten more yards and they win the game with a field goal.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• basket