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

Early in the fourth quarter, near the goal line, Mahomes lined up in a three-point stance before the snap went his way.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

With the Bulldogs backed up against their goal line, Patterson dialed up a nickel blitz — and Fresno State didn’t account for it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026

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

Now there was nothing between me and the goal line but the safety.

From "Crash" by Jerry Spinelli