goal
gohl
Goal (noun) means something a person is aiming or working to achieve. Example: “My main goal this year is to save enough money for a trip abroad.”
noun
1
Something a person is aiming or working to achieve.
"My main goal this year is to save enough money for a trip abroad."
"Her goal was to finish the marathon in under four hours."
"The company set an ambitious goal for growth next year."
2
In sports, the target area for scoring, or the score gained by sending the ball or puck into it.
"The keeper dived to the left but could not stop the ball going into the goal."
"The crowd cheered wildly after the second goal of the match."
"He scored the winning goal in the final minute."
How to use goal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA target you're trying to reach, whether in life, work, or a game.
Common pairings
set a goal
achieve a goal
score a goal
long-term goal
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like goal.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- goals
- Third person singular
- goals
- Past tense
- goaled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My main _____ this year is to save enough money for a trip abroad.
Etymology
From Middle English gol ("boundary, limit"), likely from an Old English word for a barrier or gap — the sports and ambition senses both grew from the idea of a marked end-point to reach.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for goal
See all rhymes for goal →Frequently asked questions
What does “goal” mean?
The word “goal” means something a person is aiming or working to achieve. In plain terms, a target you're trying to reach, whether in life, work, or a game.
How do you pronounce “goal”?
“Goal” is pronounced gohl (/ɡoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “goal” in a sentence?
Here is “goal” used in a sentence: “Her goal was to finish the marathon in under four hours.”
What is another word for “goal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “goal” include object of desire, objective, purpose, aspiration, aim and end.
What part of speech is “goal”?
“Goal” is a noun.
Where does the word “goal” come from?
The word “goal” comes from Old English. From Middle English gol ("boundary, limit"), likely from an Old English word for a barrier or gap — the sports and ambition senses both grew from the idea of a marked end-point to reach.
Is “goal” a common word?
“Goal” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “goal” have?
“Goal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something a person is aiming or working to achieve.
What is the difference between a goal and an objective?
A goal is a broad, longer-term result you want to achieve, such as "get fit." An objective is a specific, measurable step that moves you toward that goal, such as "run three times a week." Goals set the direction; objectives are the concrete actions that get you there. Objectives are usually smaller and time-bound.
What is the difference between a goal and a dream?
A dream is something you wish for, often vague and without a clear plan. A goal is a dream you have committed to, with intention and usually steps to reach it. The key difference is action: dreams stay in the mind, while goals are aimed at and worked toward in real life.
How do you set a good goal?
A widely used method is the SMART approach, which says a good goal should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of "save money," you set "save £1,000 by December." Making a goal clear and trackable this way makes it far easier to plan for and actually achieve.
Why are goals important?
Goals give direction and purpose, turning vague wishes into something you can plan and measure. They focus your effort, help you prioritise, and provide motivation as you see progress. Clear goals also make it easier to know whether you are succeeding, which is why they are central to work, sport, and personal growth.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include goal:
