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.

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

He showed his desperation to score when he slid in at the backpost in the hope of connecting with an Anthony Elanga cross, only to collide with the goalpost.

From BBC • May 11, 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

It's like moving the goalpost just as the person catches up when it's already difficult enough to get to the starting line.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2024

Shandra dove and got a piece of it, but it hit the inside of the goalpost and rolled in.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor

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