goaltending

noun

goal·​tend·​ing ˈgōl-ˌten-diŋ How to pronounce goaltending (audio)
1
: the act of guarding a goal (as in hockey)
2
: a violation in basketball that involves touching or deflecting a ball that is on its downward path toward the basket or on or within the rim of the basket

Examples of goaltending 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.
Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood have formed the best goaltending duo in the NHL this season. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 Dec. 2025 The special teams and goaltending performances probably weren’t sustainable, but the Penguins appeared to be much better than anyone. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025 But just enough opportunism in the offensive zone, defensive tenacity in their own zone and some very good goaltending by Jeremy Swayman (29 saves) led them to a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at the Garden. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025 Except Hawkins jumped for it and grabbed the rim as the ball went through, which constitutes offensive goaltending. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goaltending

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of goaltending was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Goaltending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goaltending. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

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