goalkeeper

[gohl-kee-per]

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.

goalkeeper

/ ˈɡəʊlˌkiːpə /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• goalkeeping noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of goalkeeper¹

First recorded in 1650–60; goal + keeper

Example Sentences

"He was very outspoken, very opinionated," says Match of the Day pundit Shay Given, the former Newcastle goalkeeper who Bellamy lined up with more than any other player during his career.

From BBC

In the era of the great Pat Jennings - widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time - McFaul would only win six caps for Northern Ireland.

From BBC

Former Celtic title-winning goalkeeper Joe Hart - on commentary duties with TNT Sports - was in no doubt the goal would be given at the time of the incident.

From BBC

First-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles is still out with a shoulder problem, while there is no place in the squad for Dale Taylor or Ronan Hale.

From BBC

Teams are placing players in front of goalkeepers tasked with stopping their movement and ability to defend set-plays.

From BBC

When To Use

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.