Goalkeeper

Pronunciation

Origin

goal + keeper

Full definition of goalkeeper

Noun

1. (sports) a designated player that attempts to prevent the opposing team from scoring by protecting a goal.
• 2012, June 9, Owen Phillips, Euro 2012: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark, Krohn-Dehli took advantage of a lucky bounce of the ball after a battling run on the left flank by Simon Poulsen, dummied two defenders and shot low through goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's legs after 24 minutes.

Synonyms

• goalie
• goalminder
• goaltender
• keeper
• netkeeper
• netminder

Usage notes

In ice hockey and lacrosse goaltender is the correct term and in most other sports goalkeeper is the correct term. However, the terms are often used interchangeably.

Anagrams

• gaolkeeper