goal

[ gohl ]

noun

1. the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end:

   Her goal was clear—to get accepted to Yale.

   Synonyms: intention, intent, objective, object, purpose, target

2. the terminal point in a race.

   Synonyms: finish

3. a pole, line, or other marker by which such a point is indicated.
4. an area, basket, cage, or other object or structure toward or into which players of various games attempt to throw, carry, kick, hit, or drive a ball, puck, etc., to score a point or points.
5. the act of throwing, carrying, kicking, driving, etc., a ball or puck into such an area or object.
6. the score made by this act.
7. #goals, goals. (used especially as a hashtag in social media in reference to things or people one aspires to or wants to emulate): Graduating debt-free is goals.

   My #goals have been forever altered by your new #thinspo profile pic.

   Graduating debt-free is goals.

   Got my kids to eat their pizza without picking off the spinach and mushrooms. #nutrition #goals #mommy #doingitright

goal

/ ɡəʊl /

noun

1. the aim or object towards which an endeavour is directed
2. the terminal point of a journey or race
3. (in various sports) the net, basket, etc into or over which players try to propel the ball, puck, etc, to score
4. sport
   1. a successful attempt at scoring
   2. the score so made
5. (in soccer, hockey, etc) the position of goalkeeper

Derived Forms

• ˈgoalless, adjective

Other Words From

• goal·less adjective
• sub·goal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of goal¹

First recorded in 1325–50; Middle English gol “boundary, limit”; further origin uncertain; compare Old English gǣlan “to hinder, impede”

Word History and Origins

Origin of goal¹

C16: perhaps related to Middle English gol boundary, Old English gǣlan to hinder, impede

Related Words

• ambition
• intention
• objective
• target