goalpost

noun

goal·​post ˈgōl-ˌpōst How to pronounce goalpost (audio)
: one of usually two vertical posts that with or without a crossbar constitute the goal in various games

Examples of goalpost 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.
Tennessee won 52–49 on a Chase McGrath field goal as time expired, and fans tore down the goalposts and dragged them to the Tennessee River. — Austin Evans, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026 The Brazilian model’s gorgeousness helped sell countless bras, her beauty not only meeting the highest of prevailing standards but arguably moving the goalpost in an even harder-to-reach direction. — Marci Robin, Allure, 18 Oct. 2026 Continuous improvement can’t mean moving the goalposts on the people least able to keep chasing them. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 No, per the official underneath that goalpost — meaning Virginia Tech lost to Pitt 35-33 even though practically everyone at Lane Stadium was going nuts thinking the Hokies had won it as time expired. — Matt Piper, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for goalpost

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goalpost was in 1842

Rhymes for goalpost

See All Rhymes for goalpost

Browse Nearby Words

go along with
goalpost
goal set
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goalpost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goalpost. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

goalpost

noun
goal·​post ˈgōl-ˌpōst How to pronounce goalpost (audio)
: one of two upright posts that serve as the goal in various games
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