goalmouth

American  

[gohl-mouth] / ˈgoʊlˌmaʊθ /

noun

plural

goalmouths

1. the area between the goalposts directly in front of the goal in certain games, as soccer, lacrosse, and hockey.

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goalmouth British  

/ ˈɡəʊlˌmaʊθ /

noun

1. sport the area in front of the goal

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Etymology

Origin of goalmouth

First recorded in 1880–85; goal + mouth

Example Sentences

The goalkeeper also made a double save with his legs in a chaotic goalmouth scramble to deny Kvaratskhelia and teenage talent Ibrahim Mbaye.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

Atalanta striker Lookman was the architect again, floating a corner into the heart of the goalmouth where Ndidi soared to beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen and score his first international goal.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

LAFC’s rebuilt midfield struggled to slow Minnesota’s speedy attackers in the early going but was bailed out when Kelvin Yeboah’s left-footed shot struck the right post and caromed across the goalmouth in the 13th minute.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2025

First, midfielder Exequiel Palacios was slow to sense danger in the 12th minute when a low ball came across the Leverkusen goalmouth toward the far post.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

They have a goalmouth scramble from a corner but Luton manage to stab the ball away.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2024