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Goalpost - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A goalpost is a structure consisting of two upright posts and a crossbar, used in sports like soccer or football to mark the scoring area. Teams aim to send the ball through or over it to score points.

goalpost

/ˈɡoʊlˌpoʊst/ /ˈɡəʊlˌpəʊst/

Definition:

A pair of posts with a crossbar forming the structure into which players aim to score in sports like soccer or football.

Synonyms:

uprights, crossbar, posts, frame

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(none applicable)

Common Collocations:

kick the ball at the goalpost, hit the goalpost, score between the goalposts

Derivatives:

goalposts (plural)

Usage Tips:

Use "goalpost" to refer to the physical structure in sports; avoid using it metaphorically unless clear from context.

Common Phrases:

move the goalposts, between the goalposts, hit the goalpost

Etymology:

From "goal" (target) + "post" (upright support), first used in sports contexts in the 19th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The soccer ball hit the goalpost and bounced back into play.
  • 2. She kicked the ball perfectly between the two tall white goalposts for a score!
  • 3. The referee checked if the ball had crossed the line near the goalpost before awarding a point .
  • 4. In football , players must pass through their opponent’s goalpost to earn points .

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