Definition

A structure made of two vertical posts and often a horizontal bar, used in sports like soccer and football to mark the area where players aim to score points.

Example

The soccer player kicked the ball towards the goalpost, hoping to score a goal.

Conversation

Did you see that amazing goal scored last night?

Yeah, it was incredible! The player shot it right past the goalpost.

I know, right? It looked like it was going to miss at first!

But it curved perfectly — definitely one for the highlight reel.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Goalpost → The word is formed from "goal" (from Old English *gāl*, meaning a boundary or limit) and "post" (from Old English *post*, meaning a vertical support). Together, these parts describe a vertical support that marks the boundary or limit of a goal in sports.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'boundary' ('goal') and a 'vertical support' ('post') that together define where a goal is in a game.

Visually Confused Words