goaltender
Americannoun
Usage
What does goaltender mean? In sports like hockey, goaltender is another name for the goalkeeper, 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). Goaltender can be used to refer to the position or the player. A goaltender might say they play goaltender. A common informal word for goaltender is goalie. The word goaltender is commonly used in ice hockey and lacrosse. In soccer (football), this position is usually called goalkeeper, goalie, or keeper. The word goaltending can refer to acting as a goaltender, but it is also used in a more specific way in basketball (which does not have a goaltender or goalkeeper position). In basketball, goaltending refers to a rules violation in which a player interferes with a shot by touching the ball on its downward flight to the basket or while it is over, on, or within the rim of the basket. Example: When I played hockey, I was the goaltender, and I was pretty good, especially because I was quick.
Etymology
Origin of goaltender
Vocabulary lists containing goaltender
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.
For the playoffs, though, Brind’Amour opted for a goaltender who had actually experienced the playoffs before.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026
Last November, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck started experiencing knee problems at a devastating moment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026
But goaltender Carter Hart was stellar, turning away 17 shots before Sennecke got one past at 11:23 of the second.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2026
The Kings have been physical and fast and goaltender Anton Forsberg has been brilliant in his first career playoff series, making 90 saves in the three games.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2026
The ball flew up in an arc as Victor and the goaltender smacked heads.
From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor
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