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Goalkeeper: meaning, definitions and examples

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goalkeeper

 

[ ˈɡəʊlkɪˌpə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

football

A goalkeeper is a player in the sport of football whose special task is to stop the opposing team from scoring by catching, blocking or punching the ball.

Synonyms

keeper, netminder, shot-stopper.

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Word Description / Examples
goalkeeper

This is the most common term used to describe the player who defends the goal in soccer or hockey. It is used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The goalkeeper made an incredible save in the final minutes of the game.
  • He has been the team's main goalkeeper for over five years.
keeper

A more informal and short version of 'goalkeeper' often used by fans and players to refer to the player protecting the goal.

  • The keeper really kept us in the game with those amazing saves.
  • Who's the best keeper in the league this season?
netminder

This term is more commonly used in hockey to refer to the player guarding the net. It has a slightly informal tone.

  • The netminder was unbeatable tonight, he stopped every shot.
  • Both teams have top netminders guarding their goals.
shot-stopper

A descriptive term often used in sports journalism or commentary to emphasize the goalkeeper's skill at saving shots. It has a slightly informal tone.

  • Their shot-stopper was in fine form, denying the opposition multiple times.
  • He's known as one of the best shot-stoppers in the league.

Examples of usage

  • The goalkeeper made a spectacular save.
  • The team's goalkeeper is known for his quick reflexes.

Translations

Translations of the word "goalkeeper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 goleiro

🇮🇳 गोलकीपर

🇩🇪 Torwart

🇮🇩 penjaga gawang

🇺🇦 воротар

🇵🇱 bramkarz

🇯🇵 ゴールキーパー (gōrukīpā)

🇫🇷 gardien de but

🇪🇸 portero

🇹🇷 kaleci

🇰🇷 골키퍼 (golkiper)

🇸🇦 حارس مرمى (haris marma)

🇨🇿 brankář

🇸🇰 brankár

🇨🇳 守门员 (shǒuményuán)

🇸🇮 vratar

🇮🇸 markvörður

🇰🇿 қақпашы

🇬🇪 მეკარე (mek'are)

🇦🇿 qapıçı

🇲🇽 portero

Etymology

The term 'goalkeeper' originated in the sport of football in the 19th century. It refers to the player positioned in front of the goal whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Over the years, the position of the goalkeeper has evolved, with new techniques and equipment enhancing their abilities to stop shots. Today, goalkeepers are considered crucial members of a football team, often playing a decisive role in the outcome of matches.

See also: goal, goalie, goalless, goalpost, goals, goaltender.