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.
Chelsea have also reached a verbal agreement with Como to loan goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to the Serie A club for a season. — The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The Argentine legend completed a hat trick to stretch the lead to 5-1 in the 83rd minute, chipping a shot over the goalkeeper off an assist from Rodrigo De Paul. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 Bellingham, who scored Madrid’s first goal of the season, got the first again Sunday after surging past a couple of Malaga defenders and shooting past goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero from a narrow angle. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Our first feature profile this week focuses on Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. — CNBC, 28 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

See All Rhymes for goalkeeper

Browse Nearby Words

goalie
goalkeeper
goal kick
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goalkeeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goalkeeper. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goalkeeper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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