IPA: /ɡoʊl/
KK: /goʊl/
A target or objective that someone aims to achieve, often used in sports to refer to the area where players try to score points.
Her goal is to run a marathon by the end of the year.
The word 'goal' originates from Middle English 'gol' (meaning a boundary or limit) and is related to the Old French 'gol' (meaning a boundary or a place). It refers to a point or destination that one aims to reach.
Think of a 'boundary' or 'limit' that you are trying to reach — that's what a goal represents.