Synonyms

goalpost

American

[gohl-pohst] / ˈgoʊlˌpoʊst /

Or goal post

noun

a post supporting a crossbar and, with it, forming the goal on a playing field in certain sports, as football.

goalpost British

/ ˈɡəʊlˌpəʊst /

noun

either of two upright posts supporting the crossbar of a goal
to change the aims of an activity to ensure the desired results

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of goalpost

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He has a gap in his teeth that feels like "the size of a goalpost".

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

Awoniyi was taken to hospital on Monday, having collided with a goalpost in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday.

From BBC • May 14, 2025

The 23-campus Cal State University system is shifting its goalpost.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2025

It was still a one-goal game in the second period when Matthews, who led the NHL with 69 goals this season, caught Swayman away from the crease but banged the puck off the goalpost.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2024

She had 36 shinnied up a goalpost, tightrope-walked out to the middle of the crossbar, and was now standing there with her arms raised in a touchdown sign.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023