goal

[gohl]

noun

1. the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

   Her goal was clear—to get accepted to Yale.

   Synonyms: intention, intent, objective, object, purpose, target

2. the terminal point in a race.

   Synonyms: finish

3. a pole, line, or other marker by which such a point is indicated.

4. an area, basket, cage, or other object or structure toward or into which players of various games attempt to throw, carry, kick, hit, or drive a ball, puck, etc., to score a point or points.

5. the act of throwing, carrying, kicking, driving, etc., a ball or puck into such an area or object.

6. the score made by this act.

7. #goals, goals. (used especially as a hashtag in social media in reference to things or people one aspires to or wants to emulate): Graduating debt-free is goals.

   My #goals have been forever altered by your new #thinspo profile pic.

   Graduating debt-free is goals.

   Got my kids to eat their pizza without picking off the spinach and mushrooms. #nutrition #goals #mommy #doingitright

goal

/ ɡəʊl /

noun

1. the aim or object towards which an endeavour is directed

2. the terminal point of a journey or race

3. (in various sports) the net, basket, etc into or over which players try to propel the ball, puck, etc, to score

4. sport

   1. a successful attempt at scoring

   2. the score so made

5. (in soccer, hockey, etc) the position of goalkeeper

Other Word Forms

• goalless adjective
• subgoal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of goal¹

First recorded in 1325–50; Middle English gol “boundary, limit”; further origin uncertain; compare Old English gǣlan “to hinder, impede”

Word History and Origins

Origin of goal¹

C16: perhaps related to Middle English gol boundary, Old English gǣlan to hinder, impede

Example Sentences

“Our goal is to create a vibrant cultural hub that not only celebrates cinema but also enriches the community and welcomes audiences from all over Los Angeles and the world.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Humans spend their days navigating new surprises, shifting goals and evolving strategies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Their goal was bringing about a catastrophe on the train line.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Another key goal is the development of automated detection systems that can monitor seal sounds more efficiently and with minimal disturbance, offering a long-term tool for conservation and ecological research.

Read more on Science Daily

Their goal is to combine diagnosis and targeted treatment in a single approach.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• ambition 
• intention 
• objective 
• target 

When To Use

What is a basic definition of goal?

A goal is an objective or target that someone is trying to reach or achieve. Goal is also the end point of a race or something that a player is trying to put an object into as part of a game. Goal has other senses as a noun.A goal is an aim or objective that you work toward with effort and determination.Real-life examples: People have many different kinds of goals. These include career goals, relationship goals, life goals, and educational goals. You might have a specific goal of learning how to play the guitar or saving up enough money to travel to another country.Used in a sentence: She completed her goal of renting her first apartment using her own money. Goal is also the final destination in a race.Real-life example: A three-mile race has competitors travel three miles before reaching the goal, or end of the race.Used in a sentence: The runner nearly passed out after finally reaching the goal. In this same sense, goal is also the line, stick, or anything else that marks this point in a race.Used in a sentence: The lead horse crossed the goal milliseconds before the runner-up. In sports, goal refers to a basket, net, cage, object, or area that a player is trying to move something to or put something into in order to score points. A player whose role is to prevent opposing players from doing this is called a goalkeeper, goaltender, or a goalie.Real-life examples: Soccer, ice hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse all have a goal that is a structure with a net that stops the ball or puck. A player scores points for their team if the ball or puck enters the area of the field that the goal occupies.Used in a sentence: Maddie kicked the soccer ball into the goal to win the game.Goal is also the act of scoring points by successfully getting an object into a goal.Used in a sentence: Sally scored two goals during the hockey game.