goalie

American  

[goh-lee] / ˈgoʊ li /

noun

1. a goalkeeper.

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goalie British  

/ ˈɡəʊlɪ /

noun

1. informal short for goalkeeper

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Usage

What does goalie mean? In sports like soccer (football) and hockey, goalie is an informal name for the goalkeeper, the player positioned in front of the goal whose job is to prevent the ball or puck from entering it (or crossing the goal line).Goalie can be used to refer to the position or the player. A goalie might say they play goalie. The position is usually officially called goalkeeper or goaltender, but goalie is very commonly used, especially in youth sports. In soccer, the goalkeeper is also sometimes called the keeper.Example: When I played soccer, I was the goalie, and I was pretty good, especially because I was quick and had long arms for my age.

Etymology

Origin of goalie

First recorded in 1920–25; goal + -ie

Example Sentences

I made strong friends and was the soccer team’s goalie.

From The Wall Street Journal

In my helmet, gloves, knee pads and a jacket with elbow, shoulder and back protection, I felt like a hockey goalie.

From The Wall Street Journal

Laferriere got the scoring started late in the first period, parking himself in front of the goal and banging the puck past Ducks’ goalie Ville Husso, who made two big saves in the shootout.

From Los Angeles Times

Cleveland goalie Allen McWeeny made 11 saves as did his counterpart Oliver Loeb of Eagle Rock.

From Los Angeles Times

The Winnipeg Jets’ netminder was the top goalie in the NHL last season and currently leads the league in wins and save percentage.

From The Wall Street Journal