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.
Not to diminish the greatness of those who set them, but to validate it—because their standard becomes the goalpost for future excellence. Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 The Aston Villa striker excels when deployed as the focal point, tasked with occupying the centre-backs and operating in the width of the goalposts. Art De Roché, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 And while that outreach in principle comes with an expiration date, the goalposts of America's approach to Iran appear to be shifting significantly. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 The shifting goalposts of their budget don’t meet your expectations and that’s not a good base on which to build this important relationship. Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goalpost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goalpost. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!