Definition

Noun: 1. The player on a sports team (such as soccer, hockey, or lacrosse) whose primary role is to defend the goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring. This player typically occupies a designated area near the goal and is the only player on the team allowed to use their hands in soccer (within their own penalty area) or wear specific protective equipment in hockey. 2. The defensive position or role on a team responsible for protecting the goal. This refers to the function itself, not the individual player.

Examples

• Noun (referring to the player):
  • The goalkeeper made a spectacular save to keep the score at 0-0.
  • A good goalkeeper needs quick reflexes and excellent concentration.
• Noun (referring to the position):
  • He has played in goalkeeper for the national team for five years.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in goal": A common phrase meaning to play the position of goalkeeper.
  • Who will be in goal for the match on Saturday?
• The goalkeeper is often informally called a "keeper" or "goalie", especially in hockey and casual speech.
  • The goalie made 30 saves last night.

Variants and Related Words

• Goalie (noun): An informal synonym for goalkeeper, very common in ice hockey and field hockey.
• Keeper (noun): A shortened, informal form of "goalkeeper," frequently used in soccer.
• Goaltender (noun): A formal synonym, most commonly used in ice hockey and lacrosse.
• Netminder (noun): An informal term for a goalkeeper, emphasizing their position guarding the goal "net."

Synonyms

• Goaltender (formal, especially hockey/lacrosse)
• Keeper (informal)
• Goalie (informal)
• Netminder (informal)
• Custodian (literary/figurative, implying a protector)

Related Phrases

• Clean sheet: A match in which a goalkeeper prevents the opposing team from scoring any goals.
  • The goalkeeper earned a clean sheet in his debut.
• To concede a goal: The action of a goalkeeper allowing the opposing team to score.
  • The team has not conceded a goal since their new goalkeeper joined.

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