goalkeeper
A goalkeeper is a player in sports like soccer or hockey whose main job is to stop the ball or puck from entering the goal. They are the only player on the team allowed to touch the ball with their hands or arms during play within a specific area.
Examples
3 of 5The goalkeeper made a brilliant save in the last minute of the game.
The player guarding the goal stopped the ball successfully at the end of the match.
The club is currently seeking a highly skilled professional goalkeeper.
The organization is looking for an expert player to guard the net.
Our goalkeeper is on fire today, nobody can score!
Our player in the goal is playing exceptionally well right now.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the two parts: 'Goal' (the place) + 'Keeper' (the person who keeps/guards it). The goalkeeper keeps the ball out of the goal.
Quick Quiz
The ______ jumped to his left and caught the ball just before it crossed the line.
Correct!
The correct answer is: goalkeeper
Examples
The goalkeeper made a brilliant save in the last minute of the game.
everydayThe player guarding the goal stopped the ball successfully at the end of the match.
The club is currently seeking a highly skilled professional goalkeeper.
formalThe organization is looking for an expert player to guard the net.
Our goalkeeper is on fire today, nobody can score!
informalOur player in the goal is playing exceptionally well right now.
Studies indicate that a goalkeeper's reaction time is a primary factor in performance.
academicScientific research shows that how fast the goal guard reacts is very important.
In this project, you will act as the goalkeeper to prevent any data errors.
businessIn this business task, your role is to protect and stop any mistakes from happening.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
last line of defense
The final person who can stop something bad from happening
stand in goal
To take the position of the goalkeeper during a game
mind the net
To watch and protect the goal area
Often Confused With
A defender plays in front of the goalkeeper and cannot use their hands, whereas the goalkeeper stays at the net and can use hands.
Usage Notes
The term is most frequently used in soccer (football), but it is also standard in field hockey and water polo. In ice hockey, 'goalie' or 'netminder' is more common.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget it is a compound word and might write it as 'goal keeper' or 'goal-keeper', though 'goalkeeper' is the most standard form in British and American English.
Memory Tip
Think of the two parts: 'Goal' (the place) + 'Keeper' (the person who keeps/guards it). The goalkeeper keeps the ball out of the goal.
Word Origin
Derived from the English word 'goal' (an end point or limit) combined with 'keeper' (one who guards or watches), dating back to the mid-19th century.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, the goalkeeper is seen as a hero or a scapegoat, as one mistake can lose a game for the entire team.
Quick Quiz
The ______ jumped to his left and caught the ball just before it crossed the line.
Correct!
The correct answer is: goalkeeper
Related Vocabulary
More Sports words
soccer
A1Soccer is a team sport played with a round ball where two teams of eleven players try to kick the ball into the opposing team's goal. It is the most popular sport in the world and is played on a rectangular grass or turf field.
golf
A1Golf is an outdoor sport played on a large grass course using various metal or wooden clubs to hit a small white ball. The objective is to hit the ball into a series of small holes in as few strokes as possible.
skiing
A1Skiing is the sport or activity of moving over snow on skis, which are long, narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic. It is a popular winter activity performed for recreation or in professional competitions on mountains and hills.
net
A1A net is a piece of material made from threads or strings tied together with many small holes in it. In sports, it is used to catch a ball or birdie, such as in tennis or soccer, to indicate a point has been scored or to divide a court.
glove
A1A glove is a piece of clothing that covers your hand and wrist to keep it warm or protect it. Each finger usually has its own separate part, unlike a mitten.
shoe
A1A shoe is a piece of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. It usually consists of a sole and a covering made of leather, cloth, or synthetic material.
jersey
A1A jersey is a knitted shirt worn by members of a sports team, usually featuring a player's number and name. It also refers to a soft, stretchy sweater or pullover made from wool or cotton fabric.
socks
A1A piece of clothing made of soft material that you wear on your foot inside your shoe. They are usually sold and worn in pairs to keep your feet warm, dry, or comfortable during physical activities.
equipment
A1Equipment refers to the set of tools, clothing, or objects that you need for a specific activity or purpose. In a sports context, it includes things like balls, rackets, helmets, and nets required to play the game.
gear
A1Gear refers to the clothes and equipment used for a specific activity, especially sports or hobbies. It is usually an uncountable noun that describes the collection of things you need to participate in an event.
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