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.
Pochettino views the next cycle as a new start for a program lacking quality depth at goalkeeper and central defender. — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Fishlock slipped behind Bay’s back line in the 85th minute and beat goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz 1-on-1 to restore Seattle’s lead for good. — Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2026 In her second start for the Wave, goalkeeper Sandra Paños recorded two saves in her first clean sheet. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 Spending has hardly stopped, and an imminent deal for 24-year-old goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek will bump it up further. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of goalkeeper for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goalkeeper

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