noun Uncommon

GOTO

GOH-too

GOTO (noun) means In programming, an instruction that jumps execution straight to another labeled point in the code, skipping the normal top-to-bottom flow. Example: “Overusing goto statements can make code very hard to follow.”

noun

In programming, an instruction that jumps execution straight to another labeled point in the code, skipping the normal top-to-bottom flow.

"Overusing goto statements can make code very hard to follow."

verb

To jump to a specific point in a program using a goto instruction.

"The old BASIC program would goto line 100 whenever an error occurred."

How to use GOTO

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA programming command that jumps to another line of code instead of running lines in order.

Memory tip

Modern programming style guides generally discourage goto because it makes code harder to trace.

Trace the full origin ↓

Word forms

GOTOed past tense, GOTOs plural, Gotos plural, GOTOs singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “GOTO” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Overusing _____ statements can make code very hard to follow.

Etymology

A contraction of the phrase "go to", adopted as a keyword in early programming languages.

Rhymes for GOTO

oto Soto moto koto toto photo Kyoto DeSoto Okamoto Sakamoto Yamamoto Miyamoto

See all rhymes for GOTO →

Frequently asked questions

What does “GOTO” mean?

The word “GOTO” means in programming, an instruction that jumps execution straight to another labeled point in the code, skipping the normal top-to-bottom flow. In plain terms, a programming command that jumps to another line of code instead of running lines in order.

How do you pronounce “GOTO”?

“GOTO” is pronounced GOH-too (/ˈɡoʊ.tu/ in IPA).

How do you use “GOTO” in a sentence?

Here is “GOTO” used in a sentence: “Overusing goto statements can make code very hard to follow.”

What part of speech is “GOTO”?

Depending on how it is used, “GOTO” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “GOTO” a common word?

“GOTO” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “GOTO” have?

“GOTO” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in programming, an instruction that jumps execution straight to another labeled point in the code, skipping the normal top-to-bottom flow.