goal line

noun

, Sports.

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

goal line

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of goal line¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Bucs coach Bruce Arians called a smart, aggressive game, including a fourth-and-1 at the goal line early in the second quarter with the 7-3 game very much in doubt.

From FiveThirtyEight

After getting to the 6, Ohio State thought it had scored on a pass from Justin Fields to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but officials ruled that the freshman bobbled the ball as he crossed the goal line.

From Washington Post

Hollins had a key drop at the goal line earlier on a pass from Fitzpatrick.

From Washington Post

On the touchdown, Cousins lobbed a pass to Smith, who was wide open at the goal line, following a play-action fake.

From Washington Post

McVay left his offense on the field after wide receiver Cooper Kupp was tackled just shy of the goal line on a third-down catch.

From Washington Post

But Yalie Thompson had the presence of mind to clutch the ball to his chest, turn, and run for the goal line.

From The Daily Beast

After months of debate, lawmakers seeking to pass health-care reform are tantalizingly close to the goal line.

From The Daily Beast

You'd be all right, at that, except that you'd probably stumble over the whitewash on the goal line and drop the ball.

From Project Gutenberg

And so, for three full quarters and part of another, neither team was able to cross the other's goal line.

From Project Gutenberg

There was now not a player between the Canton man and the goal line.

From Project Gutenberg

Shod with the wings of Mercury, he sped on and on and still on toward the far-distant goal line.

From Project Gutenberg

With a last, gallant effort he plunged across the goal line and fell unconscious beneath the cross-bar.

From Project Gutenberg