goalkeeper
GAWL-keep
Goalkeeper (noun) means the player positioned to stop the opposing team from scoring by guarding the goal. Example: “The goalkeeper made a spectacular save in the final seconds.”
noun
1
The player positioned to stop the opposing team from scoring by guarding the goal.
"Handball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each (six outcourt players and a goalkeeper) pass a ball using their hands with the aim of throwing it into the goal of the other team."
— Ace Banking And Static Awareness (2018)
"Krohn-Dehli took advantage of a lucky bounce of the ball after a battling run on the left flank by Simon Poulsen, dummied two defenders and shot low through goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's legs after 24 minutes."
— Owen Phillips, Euro 2012: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark (2012)
"Fahd Saleh was a professional goalkeeper at one of Syria's top football clubs before fleeing the civil war."
— Jeremy Ball, Refugee goalie 'over the moon' to coach for England (2025)
"The goalkeeper made a spectacular save in the final seconds."
How to use goalkeeper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe player who defends the goal.
Common pairings
goalkeeper saves
first-choice goalkeeper
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Word forms
- Plural
- goalkeepers
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Can you complete this real example?
The _____ made a spectacular save in the final seconds.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of goal and keeper.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for goalkeeper
See all rhymes for goalkeeper →Frequently asked questions
What does “goalkeeper” mean?
The word “goalkeeper” means the player positioned to stop the opposing team from scoring by guarding the goal. In plain terms, the player who defends the goal.
How do you pronounce “goalkeeper”?
“Goalkeeper” is pronounced GAWL-keep (/ˈɡɔːl.kiːpɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “goalkeeper” in a sentence?
Here is “goalkeeper” used in a sentence: “The goalkeeper made a spectacular save in the final seconds.”
What part of speech is “goalkeeper”?
“Goalkeeper” is a noun.
Is “goalkeeper” a common word?
“Goalkeeper” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a goalkeeper and a goaltender?
Goalkeeper and goaltender refer to the same role, a player positioned to stop the opposing team from scoring by guarding the goal, but the terms are used in different sports. Goalkeeper is standard in soccer, field hockey, and handball, while goaltender is more common in ice hockey, alongside the shortened "goalie" used across many sports.
Is 'goalkeeper' one word or two?
Goalkeeper is standardly written as one word in modern English. It is also commonly shortened informally to "keeper" or "goalie" in casual speech and sports commentary.
What skills distinguish a goalkeeper from other players on a team?
A goalkeeper's defining role is guarding the goal to prevent the opposing team from scoring, which typically involves distinct rules and equipment not available to other players, such as being allowed to handle the ball with their hands within a designated area in soccer. This specialized position sets goalkeepers apart from outfield or field players.
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