goal line

American  

noun

Sports.

1. the line that bounds a goal, especially the front line.

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goal line British  

noun

1. sport the line marking each end of the pitch, on which the goals stand

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Etymology

Origin of goal line

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Joseph Jr. — a wiry 22-year-old with a head full of curly dark brown hair — runs briskly toward the goal line with a black cast on his left arm.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Mendoza slalomed past a lineman, trucked through a linebacker and launched himself Superman-style, extending the ball over the goal line just as two more Miami defenders crashed into his ribs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

Technology can help, ball crossing the goal line, even semi automated offside, but tackles and hand balls, the ref has his eyes on the game and is best placed to make a call.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

Nine minutes later, Dupont missed a chance to touch down behind the La Rochelle goal line but Romain Ntamack, following up, did score.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

I placed my heels on the goal line and looked out.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor