goal line

American  

noun

Sports.

• goal lines
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• goal lines
  plural

Etymology

Origin of goal line

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

goal line

Senate is getting near the goal line on a sweeping bill intended to “save” college sports.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

The only rule is kickers can’t step in front of the goal line until the ball is struck.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

But instead it bounced off Maradona and crossed the goal line.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

The brace was the first of Balogun’s international career and came in his World Cup debut before a crowd of family and friends, a cheering section he saluted from behind the goal line after scoring.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026

But he got back reports from friends saying that his son had broken free with the ball and then hesitated near the goal line, as if he was scared of getting hit.

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