goalpost

Meaning

1. One of the two vertical side poles of a goal.
2. The tall Y-shaped upright, now usually of fiberglass, at either end of the playing field, through which a football must go in order for a field goal to be scored. (They were originally H-shaped, with one wooden post on either side.)
3. A rule or target that is "moved" (changed) unfairly; see move the goalposts.

Synonyms

door post

gantry

post

gate post

portal frame

portal-type frame

Translations

Torpfosten

palo

poste

τέρμα

γκολπόστ

κάθετο δοκάρι

but

العارضة

goalpost

montante

palo della porta

trave

poteau de but

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɡəʊlpəʊst/

Etymology

From goal + post.