How Do You Spell GOALPOSTS?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈə͡ʊlpə͡ʊsts] (IPA)

The word "goalposts" refers to the two vertical posts that are erected at each end of a playing field in sports such as football and soccer. The spelling of "goalposts" closely follows its phonetic transcription, which is /ˈɡoʊlˌpoʊsts/. The word begins with the "g" consonant sound, followed by the long "o" sound, and the "l" sound. The second syllable features the short "o" sound, the "l" sound, and the "p" consonant sound. Finally, the last syllable features the long "o" sound, the "s" consonant sound, and the "t" consonant sound.

GOALPOSTS Meaning and Definition

1. Goalposts are upright structures found at each end of a sports field or playing surface, typically in the form of metal or wooden poles. They are a fundamental component of various sports, including football (soccer), rugby, American football, field hockey, and Australian rules football. The goalposts are positioned a specific distance apart from each other, marking the boundaries of the scoring area.

   In general, goalposts consist of two vertical poles connected by a horizontal crossbar. The uprights are firmly anchored into the ground, either by being implanted directly or by using support structures such as bases or socket joints. The height and width of goalposts can vary depending on the sport and its regulations.

   The primary purpose of goalposts is to provide a designated target for teams to score points or goals. Players aim to kick, throw, or maneuver the ball between the uprights and over the crossbar, demonstrating skill and accuracy. Scoring a point or goal is typically achieved when the ball successfully traverses between the goalposts without interference from the opposing team.

   Goalposts serve as a visual reference point, allowing officials, players, and spectators to track the progress of the game and determine if a goal has been scored. They contribute to the excitement and drama inherent in sports, as players strive to either defend their own goalposts or overcome the opposition's defense in order to score. The term "moving the goalposts" is also sometimes used in a metaphorical sense, referring to changing or raising the requirements or conditions of a task or objective.

Common Misspellings for GOALPOSTS

• foalposts
• voalposts
• boalposts
• hoalposts
• yoalposts
• toalposts
• gialposts
• gkalposts
• glalposts
• gpalposts
• g0alposts
• g9alposts
• gozlposts
• goslposts
• gowlposts
• goqlposts
• goakposts
• goapposts
• goaoposts
• goleposts
• golpostes
• goelpostes
• goelposets
• goeposts

Etymology of GOALPOSTS

The word "goalposts" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words: "goal" and "posts".

The word "goal" comes from Middle English "gol", which originally referred to a boundary or limit. It is believed to have originated from Old English "gǣlan", meaning "to hinder" or "block". Over time, "goal" took on the specific meaning of a target or objective for various activities, including sports.

The word "posts" refers to the upright structures used to mark the boundaries of a goal. The term can be traced back to the Old English word "post", meaning a pillar or support. It has been used in various contexts to describe a vertical structure or marker.

Idioms with the word GOALPOSTS

• move the goalposts The idiom "move the goalposts" refers to changing expectations or standards in an unfair or advantageous manner, particularly during an ongoing process or after others have already met the original criteria. It implies shifting the conditions or requirements for success arbitrarily or conveniently to favor one side or individual.
• move (or shift) the goalposts The idiom "move (or shift) the goalposts" refers to changing the rules or criteria of a situation or argument in order to make it more difficult for someone to succeed or achieve their objective. It involves altering the standards or expectations once they have already been established, often unfairly or unexpectedly, thus making it harder for the other person to reach their goal.

Similar spelling words for GOALPOSTS

• golf stroke,
• goalpost.