goalkeeper

American  

[gohl-kee-per] / ˈgoʊlˌki pər /

noun

1. (in ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, etc.) a player whose chief duty is to prevent the ball or puck from crossing or entering the goal.

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goalkeeper British  

/ ˈɡəʊlˌkiːpə /

noun

1. sport a player in the goal whose duty is to prevent the ball, puck, etc, from entering or crossing it

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Usage

What does goalkeeper mean? In sports like soccer (football) and hockey, the goalkeeper is 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). Goalkeeper can be used to refer to the position or the player. A goalkeeper might say they play goalkeeper. A common informal word for goalkeeper is goalie. In some sports, a goalkeeper is called a goaltender. In soccer, the goalkeeper is sometimes called the keeper. Example: When I played soccer, I was the goalkeeper, and I was pretty good, especially because I was quick and had long arms for my age.

Other Word Forms

• goalkeeping
  noun

Etymology

Origin of goalkeeper

First recorded in 1650–60; goal + keeper

Example Sentences

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, 37, has played every minute of this league campaign and the Slovakian's experience could prove invaluable in the second tier.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, entering her fourth season with Angel City, making her one of the team’s longest-tenured players, believes in Parsons’ deliberate approach and is confident the team is about to turn the corner.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Goalkeeper Javier Zarate turned in another impressive performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

Goalkeeper Jerome Prior made a string of superb saves and there were several last-ditch challenges as the West Lothian outfit kept Rangers at bay.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Goalkeeper Zidane and defender Belghali will serve their suspensions during qualifying for the 2027 tournament.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026