goalpost

American  

[gohl-pohst] / ˈgoʊlˌpoʊst /

Or goal post

noun

• goalposts
  plural

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

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goalpost British  

/ ˈɡəʊlˌpəʊst /

noun

1. either of two upright posts supporting the crossbar of a goal

2. to change the aims of an activity to ensure the desired results

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• goalposts
  plural

Etymology

Origin of goalpost

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

goalpost goalposts

He accused Gandhi of "changing the goalpost" and of refusing to end the protest despite being told that the place wasn't conducive to such demonstrations.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

It was a goalpost set without a road map.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2025

Montes’ goal came first, on a header that ricocheted off a couple of players before one-hopping its way just inside the left goalpost in the 53rd minute.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2025

By the skin of their teeth, and the width of a goalpost, the bookmakers were proven right when they made England favourites at Twickenham.

From BBC ● Mar. 7, 2025

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

That "sounds very much like you're moving the goalposts," said Daco.

From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026

“They’re moving the goalposts the whole time. It’s scary.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2026

But he added "we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade".

From Barron's ● Apr. 13, 2026

But the scrapbook may never be complete as for Tony, the goalposts keep moving.

From BBC ● Apr. 7, 2026

The corners are tucked in tight like a paper football we might have flicked through straw goalposts last year.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina