goal line

noun

: a line at either end and usually running the width of a playing area on which a goal or goalpost is situated

Examples of goal line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Friday’s first red zone drill of training camp, Purdy wisely threw a ball that the 6-foot-5 Evans snatched high at the goal line, with an almost unnecessary leap against 5-foot-9 cornerback Upton Stout. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026 The Miami Dolphins spent much of Day 3 of training camp working in the red zone, putting both sides of the ball through extended situational periods near the goal line. Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Spain beat Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, 1-0 in extra time after Ferran Torres finally got the ball past Emiliano Martínez’s goal line. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 Also known as a phantom goal, a ghost goal refers to officiating errors during a football match, resulting in either a goal being awarded despite the ball not having crossed the goal line or a legitimate goal being denied. Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for goal line

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goal line was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goal line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goal%20line. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

goal line

noun
: a line at either end of a playing area that marks the goal
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster