goal

[ gohl ]

noun

1. the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end:

   Her goal was clear—to get accepted to Yale.

   Synonyms: intention, intent, objective, object, purpose, target

2. the terminal point in a race.

   Synonyms: finish

3. a pole, line, or other marker by which such a point is indicated.
4. an area, basket, cage, or other object or structure toward or into which players of various games attempt to throw, carry, kick, hit, or drive a ball, puck, etc., to score a point or points.
5. the act of throwing, carrying, kicking, driving, etc., a ball or puck into such an area or object.
6. the score made by this act.
7. #goals, goals. (used especially as a hashtag in social media in reference to things or people one aspires to or wants to emulate): Graduating debt-free is goals.

   My #goals have been forever altered by your new #thinspo profile pic.

   Graduating debt-free is goals.

   Got my kids to eat their pizza without picking off the spinach and mushrooms. #nutrition #goals #mommy #doingitright

goal

/ ɡəʊl /

noun

1. the aim or object towards which an endeavour is directed
2. the terminal point of a journey or race
3. (in various sports) the net, basket, etc into or over which players try to propel the ball, puck, etc, to score
4. sport
   1. a successful attempt at scoring
   2. the score so made
5. (in soccer, hockey, etc) the position of goalkeeper

Derived Forms

• ˈgoalless, adjective

Other Words From

• goal·less adjective
• sub·goal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of goal¹

First recorded in 1325–50; Middle English gol “boundary, limit”; further origin uncertain; compare Old English gǣlan “to hinder, impede”

Word History and Origins

Origin of goal¹

C16: perhaps related to Middle English gol boundary, Old English gǣlan to hinder, impede

Example Sentences

The goal was to get an audience member to buy the illusion that U2 is onstage.

From Los Angeles Times

Another goal of Measure A is to reduce the number of people on the street suffering from severe mental illness, which according to the latest census afflicts more than 15,000 of the county’s homeless people.

From Los Angeles Times

However, that figure could be dwarfed by a federal initiative to fund a Mars mission, which is the stated goal of SpaceX.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a remarkably universal feeling that comes out of the documentary, and I hope this same is true of the show, because that was the goal.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ohora says the overall goal is that “everyone can learn but in the funnest and fuzziest way possible.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambition
• intention
• objective
• target