goalkeeper

noun

goal·​keep·​er ˈgōl-ˌkē-pər How to pronounce goalkeeper (audio)
: a player who defends the goal in any of various games (such as hockey, lacrosse, or soccer)

Examples of goalkeeper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Utah replaced goalkeeper Karel Vejmelka with Sebastian Cossa late in the second period. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 But the Broncos aren’t just about putting the ball in the back of the net — their defense has allowed just six goals all season and is led by near-impenetrable sophomore goalkeeper Ava de Leest. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026 Griezmann neatly slotted his shot past United goalkeeper Sean Johnson. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 Once again, the goalkeeper has the presence of mind to clip the ball into the chest of Jackson, who has the opportunity to start a quick attack by bringing the ball down into the path of onrushing team-mates. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for goalkeeper

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goalkeeper was in 1789

Rhymes for goalkeeper

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Browse Nearby Words

goalie
goalkeeper
goal kick
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Cite this Entry

“Goalkeeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goalkeeper. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

goalkeeper

noun
goal·​keep·​er ˈgōl-ˌkē-pər How to pronounce goalkeeper (audio)
: a player who defends the goal in various games

More from Merriam-Webster on goalkeeper

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goalkeeper

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