What does goal mean?
Goal is a versatile English noun for an intended destination or result. In everyday planning, a goal is an objective one sets out to achieve, such as reaching a fitness target, completing a qualification, or improving a service. It often carries a mildly positive, aspirational tone: goals imply direction, effort, and a standard by which progress can be judged. In sports, the word also refers to a successful score, especially in football, and sometimes to an attempt to score. The distinction varies with context: commentators may say that a team “scored a goal,” while a player may describe “taking a goal.” As a verb, goal means to aim at or strive for an outcome; it is understood but less common than the noun, particularly in North American usage. Across these senses, goal focuses on what is sought and, often, on the purposeful movement toward it.
An objective or desired result that someone or something aims to attain; in sport, a successful score or an attempt to score.
"Our goal is to make the service faster without reducing quality."
Goal commonly implies a consciously chosen and worth pursuing result.
To aim at or strive toward an intended outcome.
"The organization goaled to increase access to clean water."
The verb is relatively uncommon and is especially associated with informal or North American usage.
The plural is formed regularly by adding -s.
"She set herself a series of goals for the year."
A football goal began as a physical destination; the word later turned any worthwhile destination into a goal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of goal
The English noun was borrowed in the Middle English period from Old French goal, a sports term associated with a goal or goalpost. It was later generalized from a marked destination or score in sport to any desired outcome. Its deeper origin is not entirely certain, although dictionaries commonly connect Old French goal with Medieval Latin gualia; related Romance sports terms include gol. The verb is a later development derived from the noun.
Related word forms
How goal is actually used
In general use, goal often has a mildly aspirational tone and implies conscious effort toward a chosen result; objective is usually more neutral. In football commentary, goal may refer either to the successful score or to the attempt, depending on context. The verb is less common than the noun and can sound informal or particularly North American.
Easily confused with goal
Goal is an intended outcome or, in sports, a score, whereas gaol is chiefly British for a prison or jail.