field goal

noun

1. Football. a three-point goal made by place-kicking or drop-kicking the ball between the opponent's goalposts above the crossbar.
2. Basketball. a goal made while the ball is in play.

field goal

noun

1. basketball a goal scored while the ball is in normal play rather than from a free throw
2. American football a score of three points made by kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts above the crossbar

Word History and Origins

Origin of field goal¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Rookie kicker Joshua Karty kicked field goals from 34, 55, 53, 22 and 31 yards.

From Los Angeles Times

A smart Rams culture that rarely makes dumb mistakes committed six penalties for 64 yards, including an illegal procedure by lineman Beaux Limmer that cost them a field goal.

From Los Angeles Times

Kicking refers to field goals and kick-offs, when the ball is kicked from the ground to score points or to begin the game.

From BBC

Joshua Karty’s five field goals were all the Rams could muster.

From Los Angeles Times

Jake Moody missed three field goals but managed to redeem himself by booting the game winner from 44 yards as time expired.

From BBC

Related Words

• basket