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

"He will be having his own way - he's quite a character," former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

From BBC

Angus Gunn started in goal against Japan, but might Clarke be tempted to hand an opportunity to one of the other goalkeepers in his squad?

From BBC

There was a pinpoint header for the opener, a trademark channel run and rounding of Lize Kop for the second, and a press and poach from the Spurs goalkeeper's error for the third.

From BBC

"I think the referee was in a very good position when he gave the initial decision," former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 live.

From BBC

"We worked on it the day before - that low cross to the front post. I was aiming to hit the goalkeeper. Shanks probably had the easiest goal of his life."

From BBC