Definition

1. Noun:
   • The player who defends the goal in certain sports: A "goalie" is the player on a team whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by stopping the ball or puck from entering the goal. This term is commonly used in sports like soccer (football), ice hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse.
   • The defensive position itself: "Goalie" can also refer to the specific playing position of guarding the goal.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (referring to the player):
  • The goalie made an incredible save in the final minute of the game.
  • Our team needs a new goalie for the next match.
• Noun (referring to the position):
  • He has played goalie since he was ten years old.

Advanced Usage

• "To pull the goalie": In ice hockey, this is a strategy where a team removes its goalie from the ice to add an extra attacking player, usually when they are losing and time is running out. This leaves the goal undefended.
  • The coach decided to pull the goalie with two minutes left to try and tie the game.

Variants and Related Words

• Goalkeeper (n): A more formal term for "goalie," used especially in soccer.
  • The goalkeeper was named the man of the match.
• Keeper (n): A common, informal shortening of "goalkeeper."
  • He's a great keeper.
• Netminder (n): A synonym for "goalie," used primarily in ice hockey.
  • The netminder blocked over 30 shots.
• Goaltender (n): Another formal term, common in ice hockey and lacrosse.
  • She is the starting goaltender for the national team.

Synonyms

• Goalkeeper
• Keeper
• Netminder
• Goaltender
• Custodian (less common, literary)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To stand between the posts: A descriptive phrase meaning to play as the goalie.
  • For fifteen years, he stood between the posts for his club.
• Last line of defense: A phrase describing the goalie's crucial role.
  • The goalie is the team's last line of defense.

Noun

1. the defensive position on an ice hockey or soccer or lacrosse team who stands in front of the goal and tries to prevent opposing players from scoring
2. the soccer or hockey player assigned to protect the goal